Pigs In America Essay

Pigs in America
In America, three main pig varieties inhabit the country-- the tiny ones who have become popular pets, the chunky ones that roam around the farm, and the wilds ones who traipse through the backwoods. These creatures with wet snouts and curled tails, that waltz their way away around on their petite hooves stopping only to eat, sleep, or wallow in mud, have similar characteristics, but an all-inclusive different purpose. Each contributing to society in their own way, the pigs in the USA come in all different sizes: the small trending pet micro-pig, the medium sized farm pig, and the oversized hog with tusks and vicious tendencies. Many people love potbellied pigs. According to National Geographic magazine, potbellied pigs became
popular in the mid-1980s, “when a few dozen Vietnamese potbellied pigs were imported to American zoos.” Because pigs have proved their intelligence which makes them easy to train, many people have decided to own one for themselves, only the ones that will “stay small’ making it possible for them to stay house pets resulting in the trending of teacup pigs becoming the latest must have pet. Yet, these new pig owners do not realize that people have attempted to inbreed and underfeed potbellied pigs in order to create these “teacup pigs” that captivate society. This fad has developed a new perspective on pigs and false advertises the true size of the potbelly pigs.
When owners realize their expensive “micro pig” will keep growing past their small size, the now bigger pig must find a new place to live. According to Wikipedia, many pot bellied pigs become abandoned “when owners discover that these pigs actually grow to larger sizes and require more care than they believed.” Teacup pigs, a variation of potbellied pigs, actually grow into a larger size than expected. Unaware of this fact, owners do not prepare for the disguised pot bellied porkers to grow past the initial size, resulting in abandonment or surrendering the pigs to a shelter. According to the vice president of the North American Potbellied Pig Association, an estimated “90 percent of pigs adopted in the U.S. are later taken to a rescue or sanctuary.” Because so many owners have not researched the false advertisement of micro pigs, almost all pet pigs must go to places of rescue. Yet, the numbers of pigs without homes have become far too abundant and the sanctuaries no longer have room for new swine. These pigs abandoned because of their size usually end up in a shelter located in a farm setting. According to many farmers, pigs serve important roles on a farm.
Chism Heritage Farm stated that pigs “ efficiently convert a wide array of resources into a more bioavailable state” and “pig snouts, hooves and manure can be used to enhance the land, rather than degrade it.” Pigs will root up land with their noses providing a form a plowing while also fertilizing the ground with their manure. Reducing work for the farmer increases the farm operation as a whole. The pig roams freely and performs normal behavior while the farmer benefits from the porker’s actions. After a pig has served its purpose, Chism Heritage Farm says, “it’s time to go to market.” Farmers usually raise their own food, and who doesn’t love bacon for breakfast and ham for the holidays? Pigs play their roles on the farm while alive and squealing, and also while served on a silver platter with an apple stuffed in their mouth because pork has become “the most commonly consumed meat worldwide.” While these domestic pigs live on farms, wild hogs inhabit the woods. Domestic pigs have accommodations that wild hog do not. Because pigs cannot sweat, according to AllOutdoor.com, “they can’t take much hot, bright, sunny weather.” They must locate areas with adequate climate to manage normal body temperatures illustrating why AllOutdoor.com says, “boggy, muddy swamp and creek bottoms are such prime spots for wild
hogs.”
In contrast to the normal farm pigs, wild boars must defend themselves against other wild animals located in the depths of the forests rationalizing why all adult wild hogs have tusks. According to AllOutdoor.com, the wild boars have such sharp tusks due to “the constant gnashing of teeth” making them “formidable weapons.” This natural defense mechanism allows the wild boars to protect themselves and their young. Since hunting wild pigs has become so popular, the hunters must take great caution to avoid the vicious tusks. According to Outdoor Life “feral pigs are very tasty, provide year-round opportunity, and generate revenue for ranchers and other property owners who lease land for hunting.” These animals provide sport and meals while eliminating the nuisance of the extreme destruction and the rooting up of land.
Whether an interesting pet, an agricultural farm companion, or a target for hunting, each type of swine has their purpose in the world The tiny micro mini pigs, the medium sized farm pigs, and the oversized hogs, all categorized in America’s pig breeds, serve their purposes as the country admires their odd figures, intelligence, and delicious meat.