The
Domestic Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) is usually given
the scientific name Sus scrofa, though some authors call
it S. domesticus, reserving S. scrofa for the
Wild boar. It was domesticated approximately 5,000 to 7,000
years ago. Their coats are coarse and bristly. They are born
brownish colored and tend to turn more grayish colored with
age. The upper canines form sharp distinctive tusks that curve
outward and upward. Compared to other artiodactyles, their head
is relatively long, pointed, and free of warts. Their head and
body length ranges from 900-1,800 mm and can weigh 50-350 kg.
The
Wild
Boar inhabited
scrubs and forests, including arid environments. They can easily
adapt to different habitats due to the scarcity of food. Sus
scrofas domesticus
feed on fungi, tubers, green vegetation, grains,
nuts, cultivated crops, invertebrates, small vertebrates, and
carrion. Except for old boars who are solitary, they live in
groups of 20-30 individuals on average. In addition, they are
nocturnal and crepuscular animals that travel far each night
searching for food. Whenever available, they will wallow in
the mud for hours at a time.
Breeding
occurs throughout the year in the tropics, but births peak around
rainy seasons. The solitary adult males together and fight for
the right to mate with a female. A single male usually wins
control over 4 females on average. The number of young per liter
ranges from 1-12. After the young are weaned, two or more families
may come together until the next mating season.
Dmestic
Pigs are found across Europe, the Middle East and extend into
Asia as far as Indonesia and Japan. They were brought to southeastern
North America from Europe by De Soto and other early Spanish
explorers.
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