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Scientific Name of Pig

Last Updated : 09 Jan, 2024
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The scientific name of a pig is Sus scrofa domesticus. Pigs are also known as swine. It belongs to the order Artiodactyla and the family known as Suidae. Various breeds of pigs are bred globally for several human needs such as meat, fat, leather, glue, fertilizers, medicines, violin strings, brushes, and explosives. We will explore more about the pig and its scientific name.

What is the Scientific Name of Pig?

Pigs (Sus scrofa) are often referred to as swine or hags. A male pig is a boar, and a female pig is called a sow. Pigs are bred worldwide for various human needs, such as meat, fat, leather, glue, fertilizer, and medicines. In the United States, the pigs raised for meat to produce lean meat or fat used in cooking are known as meat-type pigs. Pigs are omnivores; they eat a wide range of things, from leaves and roots to small animals. Pigs are endowed with great tusks that assist them in digging and fighting.

Scientific Classification of Pig

A pig is an animal that belongs to the order Artiodactyla and a family known as Suidae. This family has been known as the even-toed family. The family is divided into four to eight groups, and domesticated pigs and wild boars are in a group called Sus. There are eight different kinds of pigs in this group. Sus scrofa is the scientific name of the pig. More broadly, it is Sus scrofa domesticus.

Taxonomic Classification of Pig

Pigs are classified according to their place within the large group of mammals in this taxonomy of pigs.

Scientific Name Sus scrofa
Kingdom Metazoa
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Artiodactyla
Family Suidae
Genus Sus
Species Sus scrofa domesticus

Pig Breeds

Depending on their size and purpose, pigs come in a variety of breeds. The most commonly bred pig breeds are as follows:

  • Berkshire: Black with white point.
  • Landrace: Long-bodied
  • Chester White: Durable with excellent mothering skills.
  • Hampshire: Produces lean carcasses with erect ears.
  • Yorkshire: Popular for pink skin and long ears in North America.

Duroc, Spotted, and Poland China are also the most bred breeds of pig.

Uses of Pig

Following are the uses of Pigs:

  1. Drugs and Medicines: A pig’s organ system is about 80–90% like a human’s. These are omnivores, and it makes them a good choice to provide materials for the production of medicines such as pills, injections, or creams.
  2. Leather: For the manufacture of clothing such as leather jackets and coats, pig suede has been a popular choice. Wild Neifer pigs in South America are the source of another type of leather known as peccary, which is used to make valuable gloves. For the manufacture of durable hides on musical drums, pigs’ leather is applied as well.
  3. Violin Strings: Catgut obtained from pig intestines is commonly used for stringing. Pigs are selected because their intestines can tolerate hard conditions, so they will remain suitable for long-term use.
  4. Brushes: Hair and toothbrushes are manufactured from the bristly hairs of male pigs (boars). Boar hair has a lot of benefits for the scalp and resembles human hair in texture.
  5. Explosives: Pig oil, in particular glycerine, produces explosives such as dynamite. The gelatin from pig bones helps in gunpowder manufacturing.

Some Interesting Facts

The pigs are one of the most adaptable animals that people make pets out of. Despite their behavior, the interesting fact is that they’re intelligent and complicated animals.

  • Pigs are one of the most clever animals in the world. They’re able to feel time, recall things, learn something from their surroundings and play with it.
  • Pigs don’t have enough sweat glands to stay cool on hot days, so they often roll in mud. The mud helps to cool them down and protect their skin from the sun’s rays and parasites.
  • Domestic pigs have curly tails, while wild pigs have straight tails.
  • Special Among Hoofed Animals: Pigs do not have stomachs with multiple compartments, which means they are unable to survive only on grass and leaves. It also builds nests for its young, which is uncommon in a hoofed animal.

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FAQs on Pig Scientific Name

1. What is the scientific name of a Pigs?

The scientific name of the pig is Sus scrofa domesticus. It belongs to the order Artiodactyla and the family Suidae.

2. Which disease is caused by Pigs?

Swine flu is caused by pigs. The pig acts as a vector and transmits the H1N1 virus to humans.

3. What are some scientific facts about Pigs?

Some of scientific facts about Pigs include:

  • Pigs can’t sweat, thus they’re extremely clean animals
  • They are more intelligent than dogs
  • They remember things quite well.

4. How intelligent are Pigs?

Pigs are thought to be the fifth most intelligent mammal in the world, possessing the mental capacity of a toddler. Compared to other dog breeds, they are more clever and easily trained.

5. Are Pigs herbivores or omnivores?

Pigs are omnivores, meaning they consume both animals and plants. Pigs graze on fruits, roots, and small animals. Additionally, domestic pigs are fed a diet consisting of a blend of vegetables, grains, and occasionally leftover meat. 



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