Pachydermata was a classification for hoofed mammals distinguished by the thickness of their skins, and including the elephant, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, tapir, horse, and hog. The classification is now no longer used, as the group is recognised as artificial. Research Pachydermata
The pig (hog or swine) is a hoofed woodland mammal of the genus Sus, of the suidae family. The head is prolonged into a pointed snout. The feet have four toes, two of which reach the ground and the skin is very thick, and mostly covered with stiff bristles.
The prevailing colour of the domestic pig is a dull yellowish white, sometimes marked irregularly with black, and sometimes totally black. It is omnivorous in its habits, devouring almost any vegetable or animal substance. It is also very prolific, has usually two litters in a year, a litter consisting of from ten to even twenty piglets.
Pigs are very alert, co-operative and inquisitive animals, in the wild found in forests, particularly Beech forests, where they dig around in the forestlitter with their sensitive snout. Domesticated pigs will co-operate, with piglets organising structured raiding parties, with lookouts, on stocks of foodstuffs given the opportunity. Pigs communicate, both with each other and with other animals. While not aggressive, adult pigs will defend themelves against perceived threats, but will issue warning grunts before attacking.
The flesh of the pig, called pork, takes salt better than almost any other meat, and hence traditionally formed an important article in military and naval stores. The lard of the pig is used in a variety of preparations, and the bristles are used in large quantities in the manufacture of brushes, whilst the skin, when tanned, is used by saddlers, bookbinders, etc..
Pigs wallow in mud and mire, not through a desire to get dirty, but through a peculiarity of all the pachydermata to cool themselves and provide a protection against insects. The wild-boar, from which most of our domesticated varieties are derived, is found in most parts of Europe and Asia. In size the wild animal considerably exceeds the domesticated pig, the legs are longer and more muscular, and the back therefore much higher. Hunting this animal has long been a favourite amusement, and can still be practised in various parts of Europe. The wild hogs of Hindustan, which formerly afforded the amusement of 'pig-sticking' to the British residents there, belongs to the species Sus cristatus, closely allied to the European wild-boar. Another species is found in south-eastern Asia, Java, and various islands, and distinct from it is the Guineahog of West Africa, which is also said to have been naturalized in Brazil. As allied to the pig may be mentioned the Babiroussa, the genus Phacochoerus, or wart-hogs, and the peccaries. Research Pig
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Pachydermata
