2LearnSus domesticus
Pig
The pig was domesticated from the wild boar and is kept mainly for meat. Pigs are intelligent omnivores that root the ground with their snouts, which can be put to use clearing and turning land. Traditional breeds are hardy outdoors, while modern commercial…
Keeping
How it is kept
Kept for
- Meat
- Mature weight
- 120–350 kg
- Gestation
- 114 days
- Temperament
- Intelligent and sociable; can be pushy at feeding time
- Forage
- Omnivores that need a balanced pig feed, even when they root and graze. Never feed kitchen scraps or meat, which is illegal in many countries because it spreads disease.
- Housing
- A dry, draught-free ark or house with bedding, shade and a wallow in hot weather. Use strong fencing or electric wire, since pigs root under weak fences.
- Good to know
- Pigs root up ground, so rotate paddocks or give them a dedicated area. Pale pigs burn easily and need shade or mud in strong sun. In many countries pig keepers must register their holding and record every movement.
Breeds
Pig breeds
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