Pigs are a lot like humans. They have a emotions, personalities and are intelligent. (Rivaling some people, but I won't name names.) Some pigs are so smart that I literally can't butcher them. They just won't jump on the trailer to go to the butcher no matter how much food I tempt them with.
I can understand why many vegetarians and vegans are ethically opposed to eating pork and other meats. Due to factory farming and the demand for cheap protein, animals often do no get the respect they deserve from people.
As a livestock farmer, I try my best to give my animals a happy, stress-free life. That's the only way I can justify butchering them in the end. For this blog entry I thought I would document some pig behaviors to show you just how complex and interesting pigs can be.
I can understand why many vegetarians and vegans are ethically opposed to eating pork and other meats. Due to factory farming and the demand for cheap protein, animals often do no get the respect they deserve from people.
As a livestock farmer, I try my best to give my animals a happy, stress-free life. That's the only way I can justify butchering them in the end. For this blog entry I thought I would document some pig behaviors to show you just how complex and interesting pigs can be.
Social Hierarchy and Aggression
Pigs have a social hierarchy. Their social rank often gives them priority to eat, drink and breed before other pigs. In this scene, two sows are battling to determine who is the boss. It ends quickly with no blood shed.
Pigs have a sense of humor
Pigs do a lot of funny things to entertain themselves. In this clip, a sow is enjoying a "bubble bath."
Pigs enjoy a Good Back Scratch
Many people keep pigs as pets. Some people even keep them in their house! This is a clip of Henry the friendly pig that we accidentally domesticated. He's every bit as friendly as a dog.