Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Suidae
Genus: Sus
Species: S. scrofa
Subspecied: domesticus
Pigs were first domesticated from the wild boar in China around 4900 BC. They were domesticated in Europe in 1500 BC. The very first pigs were brought to America by Christopher Columbus, who took eight pigs on his trip to Cuba in 1493. Pigs didn’t really take hold in America after that first voyage, however. It wasn’t until Hernando de Soto brought them to Tampa, Florida, in 1539.
He started with a herd of 13 pigs, and after three years, the herd grew to around 700. Of course some of the pigs escaped from the herd into the wild and were the ancestors to the wild pigs that can still be found today. Colonists and pioneers continued to bring pigs along to help start their lives in the new world because they are hearty and travel well.
The domesticated pig most likely began with two different breeds, one native to Asia and one native to Europe. Since then, through breeding, many different kinds of domestic pigs exist, each kind slightly different in how much fat it produces or in taste. The Romans began changing the traits of pigs through more advanced farming techniques. They bred one pig specifically to produce fat and one to produce meat.
Here are some interesting facts about Domestic Pigs:
- Iowa is the top pig producer in the U.S.
- Pigs are omnivores; they eat plants and meat.
- They have a very strong sense of smell.
- Pigs are even smarter than dogs.
- Full-grown pigs weigh between 300 and 700 pounds.
- They have terrible eyesight.
- A pig’s snout is very sensitive to the touch and smell, so pigs use it to root around for food.
- They live for between 12 and 27 years.
- They are usually about 2 feet tall.
- They can run 11 miles per hour.
- A male pig is a boar.
- A female pig is a sow.
- They have a much better sense of taste than do humans.
