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The pig (Sus domesticus), often called swine ( pl. : swine), hog, or domestic pig when distinguishing from other members of the genus Sus, is an omnivorous, domesticated, even-toed, hoofed mammal. It is variously considered a subspecies of Sus scrofa (the wild boar or Eurasian boar) or a distinct species. The pig's head-plus-body length ranges from 3 to 6 ft, and adult pigs typically weigh between 110 and 770 lb, with well-fed individuals even exceeding this range. The size and weight of hogs largely depends on their breed. Compared to other artiodactyls, a pig's head is relatively long and pointed. Most even-toed ungulates are herbivorous, but pigs are omnivores, like their wild relative. Pigs grunt and make snorting sounds.
When used as livestock, pigs are farmed primarily for the production of meat, called pork. A group of pigs is called a passel, a team, or a sounder. The animal's bones, hide, and bristles are also used in products. Pigs, especially miniature breeds, are kept as pets.
The pig typically has a large head, with a long snout which is strengthened by a special prenasal bone and a disk of cartilage at the tip. The snout is used to dig into the soil to find food and is a very acute sense organ. The dental formula of adult pigs is 3.1.4.33.1.4.3, giving a total of 44 teeth. The rear teeth are adapted for crushing. In the male, the canine teeth can form tusks, which grow continuously and are sharpened by constantly being ground against each other.
Four hoofed toes are on each foot, with the two larger central toes bearing most of the weight, but the outer two also being used in soft ground.
Pigs have small lungs in relation to their body size, and are thus more susceptible than other domesticated animals to fatal bronchitis and pneumonia. Pigs have a maximum life span of about 27 years.
History
Archaeological evidence suggests that pigs were domesticated from wild boar in the Near East in the Tigris Basin, Çayönü, Cafer Höyük, Nevalı Çori being managed in the wild in a way similar to the way they are managed by some modern New Guineans. Remains of pigs have been dated to earlier than 11,400 years ago in Cyprus. Those animals must have been introduced from the mainland, which suggests domestication in the adjacent mainland by then. Pigs were separately domesticated in China beginning 8,000 years ago, and have been one of the most important domesticated animals there ever since.
If you want to read a whole lot more, go here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pig
- 24 frozen Parker House rolls, thawed, but still cold (see Note)
- 12 pretzel sticks, cut in half
- PUMPKIN SPICE BUTTER
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Coat baking sheets with cooking spray. Shape each roll into a ball and place on baking sheet; flatten slightly.
- Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, make 6 to 8 equally distanced cuts about 1/2-inch deep around roll. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke a hole in center of each roll. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise 1 hour or until doubled in side. Remove plastic wrap and press pretzel piece into center of each roll.
- Preheat oven to 375º. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine Pumpkin Spice Butter ingredients; mix well. Serve rolls warm with Pumpkin Spice Butter.
***Make sure to use dough rolls for this recipe, not prebaked rolls.
1950 – David Leisure, American actor
1958 – Marg Helgenberger, American actress
