Animal Activities #33

Whenever pigs are mentioned, what comes to our minds is pork. We fail to see it as one of the most valuable domestic animals in the world.

It's also a source of meat, but they also play an important role in our economy, health, biology and culture, which in most cases are unnoticed.

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Economic Importance

Pig farming is one of the most profitable ventures in agriculture, which has contributed so much to the global economy, especially in rural areas.

Pork is a widely consumed meat all over the world. Farmers not only benefit from the meat, but also from other byproducts of the animals, like the skin — used in the production of leather, the fat — for processed food products and other industrial uses.

Pigs are unique, making them ideal for rearing in many rural communities due to their fast maturity and frequent reproduction, unlike other like goats and cattle.

They don't rely much on complex meals, simple farm byproducts and kitchen waste can make them grow faster and healthier, making them cheap to rear and also a rich source of protein.

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Health Benefits

Health researchers have made it known to everyone that one of the richest protein sources comes from pigs.

Pork provides vitamins, amino acids and minerals like zinc and iron, which are highly efficient and essential for strong muscles, blood and good health.

Based on medical researchers, it has been found that the pigs' organs closely resemble those of humans; they have been applied in developing surgical techniques, organ transplant research and for testing new drugs.

Recently, I was just informed that the pig heart valves can be used successfully in human heart surgeries.

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Biological Importance

Pigs, being omnivorous animals, are fascinating due to their highly efficient digestive system, which enables them to feed on any meal.

Due to their genetic similarities with humans, scientists as applied them in genetics and physiology experiments, to understand human diseases and how to treat them better.

They also have high survival capacity, faster growth and frequent reproduction, making them ideal for an agricultural practices and economy supports. Pig waste products can be used as compost manure in our farms to enhance plant growth and production.

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Other Benefits

Pigs play important roles in our environmental culture as well. In some traditions, pigs are seen as a symbol of wealth, prosperity and abundance.
Also, in some traditions, they are avoided due to religious reasons.

Environmental food waste pollution can be reduced, since the waste food can be recycled for pig consumption.

Most farming sees pigs as an investment and a form of saving, which they could sell out for money in times of emergencies, which makes it known as "walking banks".