DID YOU KNOW?(s)
- the pig is the last of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac; it is seen to represent fortune, happiness and honesty
- pigs are capable of dreaming (much like humans can)
- newborn piglets learn to run to their mothers' voices and can recognize their own names by 2 weeks of age
- adult pigs can run up to 11 mph
- pigs have hardly any sweat glands, instead they cool off by wading in mud or muddy water as they are so famously known for
- a pigs' squeal can be as loud at 115 decibels - 3 decibels higher than the sound of a supersonic airliner
ReproductionPigs are known for their high reproductive potential. Some females sexually mature as early as 6 months of age. Female pigs can produce up to two liters with 20 piglets per year. Gestation usually lasts 115 days, lactation is 25 days and weaning period is 5 days equalling a cycle of 145 days
HabitatPigs live in altitudes of up to 13,000 ft and choose their habitat depending on availability of food, weather conditions, and predator population. African pigs occupy small ranges or home farm while other pigs roam free in search of feeding grounds. All species build nests out of vegetation for resting purposes as well as protection against weather.
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Nutrition/DietOmnivore
Pigs eat mostly plant matter but will also eat invertebrates such as worms, insects and insect larvae. In addition, pigs will feed on small animals, newborns of larger animals, and eggs and young of ground-nesting birds and reptiles. |