Pigs are ungulates native to Eurasia collectively grouped under the genus Sus within the Suidae family. They have been domesticated and raised as livestock by some peoples for meat (called pork) as well as for leather. Their bristly hairs are also traditionally used for brushes. Wild pigs continue to fill these functions in certain parts of the world.

Pigs are omnivores, which means that they consume both plants and animals. On a small farm, or in a large household, they can be fed kitchen scraps as part or all of their diet. In the wild, they are foraging animals. Pigs that are allowed to forage may be watched by swineherds. Because of their foraging abilities and excellent sense of smell, they are used to find truffles in many European countries. They are also fattened to be eaten as ham and other types of meat, such as bacon.

Pigs are highly trainable animals, and some, such as the Asian pot-bellied pig, are kept as pets. A litter of piglets typically contains between 6 and 12 animals. Occasionally, in captivity, pigs may eat their own young.

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Veterinary Medicine

Check out the Vet Gazette
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700
Stay up-to-date with the College of Veterinary Medicine with the Vet Gazette.
What Makes a Happy Cow?
Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700
Oregon State University dairy cows are sporting a fashionable new orange accessorythat is designed to gather a variety of information on the cows' movements, which will allow researchers to learn which conditions, including food, surroundings and density of cows put together, make them the happiest. <img class="thumb" src="http://oregonstate.edu/enewsletter/images/happycow.jpg" alt="Photo of Cow" title="OSU Makes Cows Happy" />
Check out the Vet Gazette
Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700
Stay up-to-date on news in the College of Veterinary Medicine!
Pet Day 2009 is Coming!
Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700
Oregon State's College of Veterinary Medicine is pleased to host its 22nd annual Pet Day and Open House on May 2. Check it out! <img class="thumb" src="http://oregonstate.edu/enewsletter/images/petday2009.jpg" alt="Pet Day logo" title="College of Veterinary Medicine hosts Pet Day" />
Oregon State Researchers Monitoring Potential Spread of Fungal Disease
Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700
A fungal organism called Cryptococcus gattii, which caused a disease outbreak among humans and animals on Vancouver Island 10 years ago, may be showing signs of emerging in other areas of the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, say pathologists at OSU.
OSU Researcher to Work with Marion County Youths on Vet Med Project
Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800
Elementary students at Marion and Turner schools in Marion County will have the opportunity to learn about the intestinal physiology of a llama, examine a freeze-dried horse leg, compare the differences between a veterinarian and a medical doctor, and help conduct an exam on a dog.

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