2017 57,9 million pigs were slaughtered in Germany (Albert Schweitzer Stiftung). More than 40% of the farmed meat worldwide is from pigs. The meat of pigs is the most similar to human meat (Masson 2018).
Hannover Animal Save meets once a month in front of the slaughterhouse Leine-Fleisch GmbH, where 500.000 pigs are slaughtered each year. At the 21st of November 2018 this slaughterhouse is the third one within a month, which is denounced for animal abuse. Videos show how pigs are tortured with electro shockers up to 40 times (Doeleke 2018). While I was standing at the trucks and petting the pigs whose trucks were waiting in a row to drive into the slaughterhouse, while hearing the screams of pigs out of the building, I was shocked about the many scratches and wounds many of them had. I saw the very few space they had, fights between them, fearful eyes, cut tails and froth on some of their snaps. But what I also realized was, that I do not really know much about pigs, despite the fact that they are intelligent and not so dirty as many humans think.
This essay takes an in depth look on who pigs really are, with a focus on the domestic pig, since this is the species which is used mostly in the meat industry. To judge conditions, it is necessary to have foundation of knowledge about the species. This essay will provide the information’s which are necessary, to argue if pigs should be ethical considered and to make qualified statements about observed conditions.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Biological Basics
3. Physical Attributes
4. Behaviour
5. Feral Pigs (Sus scrofa) and Domestic Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica)
6. Humans and Pigs
7. Cognition
8. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This essay aims to provide a comprehensive portrait of the domestic pig, examining its biological nature, behavioral patterns, and cognitive abilities to critically assess the ethical implications of its treatment within the modern meat industry.
- Biological classification and evolutionary characteristics of pigs
- In-depth analysis of pig behavior and social structures
- Cognitive research and the question of self-recognition and consciousness
- The historical and contemporary relationship between humans and pigs
- Ethical considerations regarding industrial factory farming practices
Excerpt from the Book
Cognition
An important topic whenever it comes to the question, if non-human animals should be ethical considered, is if they have consciousness.
It is known that pigs are highly intelligent. Sandra Duepjan, who works at Leibniz-Institute for farm animals in Dummerstorf (Germany) says: ‘We assume that pigs can learn more commands than dogs’. She works with pigs since many years. ‘With their teeth and snout, they research everything you give to them. They are very curious and determined. ‘
Scientist from the Leibniz-Institute worked together with scientist from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, to research the pig’s ability to learn. They taught piglets in a stable in Lower Saxony (Germany) trisyllabic names like Brundhilde, Griselda and Edelgard. In these classes were never more than ten piglets. When the pigs were grown up, they needed this knowledge while the feeding procedure. With loudspeakers the 40 waiting pigs were individually invoked. Only the pig who was invoked got food at the automatic feeder. The pigs were identified with a chip in their ear. At the beginning there was confusion and when the loudspeaker started, many pigs ran to the through. But then they started to understand the system. ‘It was fascinating that the pigs who were not invoked, stayed totally relaxed lied down. Even their measured heart rate showed no reaction’, said Duepjan. When their name evoked, they ran to the trough, sometimes with up to 50 km/h.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This section establishes the scope of the essay by contrasting the high slaughter numbers of pigs with their innate intelligence and social complexity.
Biological Basics: This chapter outlines the taxonomic classification of pigs and their natural habitats across different continents.
Physical Attributes: This chapter describes the physiological traits of pigs, including their sensory capabilities and unique physical adaptations like sweat glands and hooves.
Behaviour: This chapter explores the social dynamics, group interactions, dietary preferences, and sleeping habits of pigs in natural settings.
Feral Pigs (Sus scrofa) and Domestic Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica): This chapter compares the life cycles, gestation, and survival traits of feral ancestors with those of domesticated breeds.
Humans and Pigs: This chapter examines the long history of pig domestication and the evolution of their role in human culture and agriculture.
Cognition: This chapter details scientific studies on pig learning abilities, self-recognition via mirror tests, and altruistic behavior.
Conclusion: This final section reflects on the ethical dissonance between the sophisticated nature of pigs and the restrictive conditions of factory farming.
Keywords
Pigs, Domestic Pig, Factory Farming, Animal Welfare, Cognition, Self-recognition, Intelligence, Animal Behavior, Species Biology, Ethics, Meat Industry, Domestication, Social Structure, Animal Consciousness, Tamworth Pigs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The work provides a scientific and ethical portrait of pigs, emphasizing their biological, behavioral, and cognitive complexity to challenge current perceptions.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The main themes include biological characteristics, complex social behavior, cognitive research, the history of human-pig relations, and ethical critiques of factory farming.
What is the overarching research goal?
The goal is to provide necessary foundational knowledge about pigs to foster an informed, ethical debate regarding their treatment in the food industry.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The essay utilizes a synthesis of ethological research, behavioral studies, historical data, and observational accounts from experts in animal science.
What does the main body explore?
The main body covers anatomy, sensory systems, intelligence tests (such as mirror recognition), social bonding, and the consequences of intensive livestock farming.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include animal intelligence, cognition, factory farming, domestic pig, and ethical consideration.
How do pigs demonstrate self-recognition?
Studies have shown that pigs can interpret mirror reflections to navigate obstacles and locate food, suggesting a level of self-awareness and environmental mapping.
How does the author characterize the intelligence of pigs?
The author highlights that pigs are highly curious, capable of learning complex commands, and possess long-term memory, often comparing their cognitive abilities to those of dogs or children.
What is the significance of the 'Tamworth Two' case study?
The escape of these two pigs serves as an illustrative example of porcine intelligence, initiative, and the public's emotional connection to individual animals versus the treatment of livestock as a whole.
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- Julia Thielert (Autor), 2018, Meet the Pigs. A Portrait, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/454920
