March 1st is National Pig Day: Celebrating the Pig

I live in a small community about 35 miles from Green Bay, Wisconsin. On the way to Green Bay there are times when I can smell a farm with pigs and the sour stench of their poop hangs in the car for several miles. It's horrible! But even though I complain, cough, and gag during those miles while my car is airing out, I still think pigs are great. I would go as far to say I think many of them are adorable. I am not the only one who appreciates the pig. In the United States, March 1^st is the special day to celebrate the pig.

The Chicago Zoological Society (2011), notes the this national celebration was introduced in 1972 by sisters Mary Lynn Rave and Ellen Stanley; Mary Lynn Rave said the purpose of the day is "to accord the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized, place as one of man's most intellectual and domesticated animals."

Facts About Pigs

Pigs are actually very clean animals. They are generally well-ordered they keep sleeping and potty areas separate. Pigs are playful and enjoy exercise. If you take time to observe a pig you may see the pig running around, splashing in puddles, digging, and interacting with other pigs (Global Action Network, 2005). According to Global Action Network (2005), pigs have a very good sense of smell and are highly intelligent. Because of their high I.Q., pigs can be trained, sometimes better than other domestic animals. Pigs roll around in the mud to stay cool because they do not sweat. Mud protects them from the sun and protects them from insect bites.

Many of us know Miss Piggy from the Muppets. Her temperament is not common among most pigs. She is a temperamental little piggy! Most pigs may have a little tantrum from time to time, but their fit is usually easily subdued if they are given a favorite treat. They will forgive you if they have gotten perturbed with you.

A Couple Facts About Pig Poop

Pig poop can be useful. According to The Associated Press (2010), the methane gas coming from pig poop can be captured, and a 9,000-head hog farm was able to "...generate enough electricity to supply about 50 homes." This is a fantastic green power source. Another interesting use for pig poop is its use to clean up contaminated mine waters. Pig poop contains bacteria that cause metals to bind causing them to sink to the bottom (Anonymous, 2006).

A Few Pigs

There are numerous breeds of pigs. Three pigs I am going to highlight are the Bentheim Black Pied pig, the Wild Boar, and the Potbelly Pig.

I wanted to highlight the Bentheim Black Pied pig because in the 1950s this pig became nearly extinct and today is a rare breed (Anonymous, 2011). They are white pigs with large black spots and originated in Bentheim, Germany; they are the result of cross-breeding local breeds with Berkshire and Cornwalls pigs (Anonymous, 2011).

Some pigs are BORN TO BE WILD! Compared to domestic pigs, the wild boar is larger and has longer legs. Although the wild boar munches on acorns, grains, invertebrates, and underground plant material, boar will also prey on goat kids, lambs, and calves (Barrett & Birmingham, 1994).

My favorite is the Potbelly Pig. They are available for adoption and are known to make wonderful pets. They are affectionate and they live life with enthusiasm. They enjoy spending time outdoors and can be easily housebroken. The Potbelly Pig has charisma that will make you smile. I hope one day I am fortunate to be able to adopt a Potbelly Pig.

Ways to Celebrate the Pig

1. Wrap a hot dog in a crescent roll and bake for a Pigs in a Blanket lunch.
2. Visit a pig farm.
3. Have your own pig parade.
4. Make pig crafts such as pig snouts out of empty toilet tissue rolls, pig ear head bands, or pink thumbprints that can be designed to look like a piggy.
5. Even though your co-workers may want to strangle you, substitute "oink" for some of your words throughout the day.
6. Participate in a National Pig Day event in your local or surrounding area.

The Brookfield Zoo, located just outside of Chicago, IL holds a National Pig Day Celebration. They sing an enthusiastic pig song, have a parade led by a Pigmobile, and have other fun activities on this day (Chicago Zoological Society, 2011).

Conclusion

Some pigs are adorable while others have a face only their mother could love. March 1^st is the day to celebrate the pig. Appreciate the life of the pig, the pig that is born to be wild, the domestic farm pig rolling in the mud, or the potty trained Potbelly lounging with you on the couch. Check your local and surrounding areas for National Pig Day events.

References:

Anonymous. (2006). Pig poop used to clean up polluted waters. Retrieved from http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x60902

Anonymous. (2011). Domestic pig breeds. Retrieved from http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/farm/pigs/pig_breeds.html

Barrett, R.H., & Birmingham, G.H. (1994). Wild pigs. Retrieved from http://icwdm.org/handbook/mammals/mam_d65.pdf

Chicago Zoological Society. (2011). National Pig Day celebration. Retrieved from http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/CZS/Brookfield/Events/National-Pig-Day-Celebration

Global Action Network. (2005). Pigs. Retrieved from http://www.gan.ca/animals/pigs.en.html

The Associated Press. (2010). From poop to power: Pig waste, methane used to make electricity Retrieved from http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/09/28/article/from_poop_to_power_pig_waste_methane_used_to_make_electricity