Pigs, hogs, swine: all of these are names for wild or domestic members of the scientific family Suidae. They are hoofed mammals with four toes on each foot. Humans have been raising pigs for more than 9,000 years. Domestic pigs are descended mainly from Eurasian wild boars, Sus scrofa.

What They Eat

Pigs are omnivores, eating plants and animals. Their snouts are well-suited to foraging for food scraps, roots, nuts and insects. Domestic pigs on farms eat feed rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Pigs drink up to 8-10 gallons of water daily.

Where They Live

Domestic pigs live on every continent except Antarctica. Pigs do best in environments where they have ample shade, dirt, mud and water.

What They Do

Pigs spend a great deal of time digging with their snouts, or rooting – turning over soil to find roots, insects, and garbage to eat. Pigs wallow in mud. This protective coating of mud helps them cool down, avoid sunburn and deters some biting insects.

How They’re Doing

Several hundred pig breeds exist around the world today. Because they are valued for meat and other products, domestic pigs are thriving. However, some wild relatives, such as the Visayan Warty Pig, are critically endangered.

Common Names

Barrow: young castrated male
Boar: mature male
Gilt: young female
Herd: group of pigs
Litter: group of piglets, from one sow
Piglet: newborn or baby
Shoat: weaned (no longer nursing) piglet
Sow: mature female

Animal Facts

Body Length: Varies by breed
Weight: 450-1000 pounds
Lifespan: 9-15 years
Number of piglets per litter: usually 8-12

Taxonomic Category

Mammal, hoofed

Where at the Zoo

Wells Fargo Family Farm