Interesting Facts about Pigs    [29-11-2008] What comes into your mind when you think of pigs? Do you think they are lazy and dirty? Think again! Pigs are very smart and interesting animals. Scientists often regard pigs as the most intelligent of livestock. In fact, they record fourth on the list of most intelligent animals! Chimpanzees register in first place; dolphins register second; and elephants come third; and pigs come fourth. Experts say pigs can actually learn tricks faster than dogs! Yes, they are really amazing creatures. This week, let’s learn some fun facts you probably didn’t know about pigs. - Pigs are very family oriented and social creatures. They develop close relationships with their mates as well as other members of their tribe. They like to cuddle with each other when they sleep. - Other common names for them are: hog, swine, boar (a male pig), gilt (if she hasn’t given birth to piglets) and sow (if she has had babies). Sows can have up to 12 piglets at one time. - After a baby piglet is born, it will eat so much that its weight will double after only a week. - Pigs don’t like heat. Since they can’t sweat from a lack of sweat glands, pigs have to wallow around in mud to stay cool. - Pigs are excellent swimmers! - It’s physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky. - Some pigs have straight tails, while others have curly ones. - Pigs have four toes on each hoof. They walk on only two of their toes on each foot. - Pigs have a very sensitive sense of smell and they can find things underground. They have even been used to sniff out drugs in service to policemen. - Pigs’ hair is used for artists’ brushes, insulation, and upholstery. - Dried pig bones are used for buttons and bone china. - China produces the largest volume of pigs in the world. Pigs were among the first animals to be domesticated, possibly as far back as 7000 B.C. - Pigs were introduced to North America in 1539 when a Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto brought 13 to the Florida mainland. - The largest pig recorded in history was Big Bill, a 1.5 meters high, 2.7 meters long Poland China hog, who weighed 1,158 kilograms. - Pigs are a source of nearly 40 drugs including insulin.     출처: 어린이 영자신문 키즈타임즈 (www.kidstimes.net)