How long pigs live and what determines their lifespan

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Pigs in the household are valued by farmers for their high productivity. A large amount of meat and a greasy layer comes out from one animal. In addition, sows are characterized by increased fertility and milk production. Pigs that do not go to slaughter boast an average life expectancy among other farm animals. How long pigs live depends primarily on the conditions of their maintenance and diet. However, at times, longevity is the hallmark of the breed. For example, dwarf species live less than farm ones due to the structure of the body.

How many pigs live

Factors affecting life span

The lifespan of artiodactyls depends primarily on the environment in which the animal lives. The wild boar population is regulated by large predators, so many pigs die an unnatural death. On average, a wild male can live 15-20 years, and a female 10-15. These times vary, depending on the nature and aggressiveness of the boar. A strong male can live 25 years, but females who are forced to bear and protect piglets at their best, often die before 10 years.

The following factors influence the lifespan of domestic pigs:

• sex difference;
• breed;
• conditions of detention;
• diet;
• illness;
• castration.

For livestock breeders, first of all, it is not the longevity of the pig that is important, but the timing of its productivity. Breeders often cross good sires with long-livers in order to prolong the reproductive age of the sows.

Sex characteristics and breeds of domestic pigs

With a balanced diet and compliance with sanitary standards for keeping, farm artiodactyls can live 35 years. However, breeders rarely keep an animal for so long, since young individuals are better suited for slaughter. Usually non-breeding pigs are sent to slaughter at the age of 2 years. This is the maximum feeding period for an artiodactyl. If the animal has been selected for breeding, the keeping of pigs on the farm depends on the performance characteristics. Sows can give birth to offspring up to 20 times, but after 5-6 piglets are born weak. The male usually retains its reproductive value for 10 years. On average, a female dies a natural death after 25 years, and a boar can live up to 40.

There is a classification of lifetimes, depending on the breed of artiodactyl:

• Pigs of the Landrace breed have an average lifespan. The female lives up to 15 years, and the male - up to 20.
• Animals of the Duroc breed are optimal in terms of productivity and age. Pigs retain their productive characteristics for up to 20 years.
• The white breed is considered early maturing, so none of its representatives live longer than 15 years.
• Vietnamese pigs are considered long-livers among breeders, since they are able to maintain their productivity for up to 30 years.
• Representatives of the Mangal breed are also reaching old age.Their average life span is 25 years.

There are also small breeds and dwarf pigs that are kept as pets. These artiodactyls live no longer than 15 years. Among the record holders is an American dwarf pig named Max, who lived to be 19 years old. The characteristic lifespan for this breed is 8 years. Among wild small pigs, representatives of the Bahamian breed are long-livers.

It should be noted that piglets from crossing parents of different species live longer than representatives of a pure breed, and have stronger immunity. However, at the same time, such individuals may lose part of their productive characteristics, therefore, hybrids are allowed to slaughter, preferring to breed pure breeds.

Conditions of detention

The lifespan of pigs also depends on the conditions of their detention. To achieve the maximum lifespan of a pig, the following rules should be followed:

1. The room where the pig lives must be airtight and warm.
2. Pens are built based on the number of individuals: animals should not be kept in close quarters.
3. There must be proper air circulation in the barn, therefore the ventilation system is made at a height of 2 m from the floor.
4. It is required to exclude loud noises and strong odors in the room.
5. It is important to monitor humidity and temperature: their level should be stable regardless of the season.
6. The barn should be cleaned 3 times a week. Once a month, the pens are whitewashed with lime.

Compliance with these rules will help extend the lifespan of artiodactyls. If the animal lives in unsanitary conditions, it increases the risk of contracting infections.

Artiodactyl diet as the basis for a long life

Pigs are valued among farmers for their unpretentious forage selection. However, in this case, the diet of an artiodactyl must be balanced and complete. The absence of certain types of food can lead to disruption of the body's work, as a result of which the animal will live for a shorter number of years. The daily nutrition of an adult should contain:

• fresh herbs or hay;
• ground cereals;
• carrots, beets and boiled potatoes;
• fruit;
• vitamin supplements.

Breastfeeding sows should be given fermented milk products to replenish calcium in the body. Special attention should be paid to vitamins and minerals. Without a full complex of nutrients, an artiodactyl may develop bone deformation and rickets. To avoid this, the animal should be given:

• herbal, bone and meat meal;
• fish fat;
• cake.

These components affect how many years the sow will maintain high productivity at home.

Disease prevention and castration

An individual who has had a small number of diseases lives longer, therefore disease prevention is one of the main factors in the longevity of artiodactyls. Pigs should be vaccinated, checked for parasites, and every six months should have a full examination with the assistance of a specialist. This will help avoid infections and epidemics, which not only shorten the life of the animals, but can also result in death for the entire livestock on the farm.

Castration also increases the number of years lived in any animal.

The body does not waste energy on maintaining the reproductive system, and thanks to these resources it retains its vitality longer. However, piglets should be neutered at an early age, which can be very stressful for an adult.

Conclusion

The lifespan of an artiodactyl depends on various factors. Among them, the features of the breed, conditions of detention and diet are distinguished. Pigs have an average lifespan among domestic animals, however, many individuals remain highly productive even in old age.

The dwarf species lives less than the farm individuals, however, as a domestic pet, the pig dies a natural death, so very often small breeds outlive the farm ones, since large artiodactyls are sent to slaughter.