Today there are over 300 different breeds of pigs and a total pig population of almost 800 million pigs that are kept and raised around the world. To date, China has the largest number of pigs than any other country. . Depending upon the breed, pigs may attain a height of 40 inches and weigh anywhere between 180 to 500 pounds. Contrary to the popular and widely held belief that pigs are filthy and disgusting creatures, largely due to their wallowing in mud, they are in fact very clean animals if properly kept.
Pigs roll in the mud in order to cool off and get clean.
After wallowing and covering its body with mud, fleas and lice are trapped as the mud dries. Once the mud has completely dried, the pig then scratches off the mud on a tree trunk or fence, leaving itself clean and free of insects. Pigs generally live to be over 15 years old. Pigs raised for pork are ready for market when they tip the scales around 155 pounds, whereas pigs raised for bacon are marketed when they are around 200 to 220 pounds. . Pigskin is highly valued when manufactured as leather goods for items like gloves, bags, and luggage. .