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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Biological Basics
- Physical Attributes
- Behaviour
- Feral Pigs (Sus scrofa) and Domestic Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica)
- Humans and Pigs
- Cognition
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to provide an in-depth understanding of pigs, specifically the domestic pig, to evaluate ethical considerations regarding their treatment in the meat industry. The essay explores the biological and behavioural characteristics of pigs, highlighting their intelligence, social nature, and unique adaptations. It examines the similarities between pigs and humans, particularly in terms of cognitive abilities and emotional responses.
- The intelligence and cognitive abilities of pigs
- The social behaviour and group dynamics of pigs
- The physical attributes and adaptations of pigs
- The relationship between humans and pigs throughout history
- Ethical considerations surrounding pig farming and the treatment of pigs in the meat industry
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the essay's focus on understanding pigs and their treatment in the meat industry. It highlights the prevalence of pig farming globally and emphasizes the importance of understanding pig behaviour and biology for ethical considerations.
- Biological Basics: This chapter provides a scientific overview of pigs, including their taxonomic classification, distribution, and evolutionary history. It emphasizes their omnivorous nature, adaptability, and intelligence.
- Physical Attributes: This chapter delves into the physical characteristics of pigs, highlighting their unique anatomy, sensory abilities, and adaptations for their environment. It discusses the importance of wallowing in mud for thermoregulation and protection from parasites.
- Behaviour: This chapter explores the social behaviour of pigs, focusing on their group dynamics, communication, and playfulness. It discusses their sleep patterns, their ability to dream, and their complex social interactions.
- Feral Pigs (Sus scrofa) and Domestic Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica): This chapter compares the characteristics of feral pigs and domestic pigs, outlining their similarities and differences. It explores their behaviour in the wild and their adaptations for survival.
- Humans and Pigs: This chapter examines the long history of human interaction with pigs, tracing their domestication and the evolution of pig farming practices. It highlights the significance of pigs as a source of food and explores their increasing use as companion animals.
- Cognition: This chapter investigates the cognitive abilities of pigs, focusing on their learning capacity, self-recognition, and their ability to understand and respond to complex situations. It explores the ethical implications of pig intelligence for their treatment in farming environments.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay focuses on the biology, behaviour, and cognition of pigs, particularly the domestic pig. Key terms include: pig intelligence, pig behaviour, social behaviour, animal cognition, self-recognition, domestication, factory farming, animal welfare, and ethical considerations.
- Citation du texte
- Julia Thielert (Auteur), 2018, Meet the Pigs. A Portrait, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/454920
