There are around 7-8 million pigs in the UK, reared primarily for bacon, ham, pork and sausages. The majority of pigs in the UK are reared under very intensive conditions, being closely confined for most of their lives.
Pigs are naturally intelligent and inquisitive social animals.
Originally pigs lived in woodlands, foraging for nuts, seeds, roots and grubs. They will not soil their resting area and the myth that pigs are somehow dirty comes from their wallowing in wet mud. They do this to cool down in hot weather and to rid themselves of pests. The average number of pigs reared per sow is 22 each year though many sows rear more than this. The natural lifespan of a pig is 10-15 years.