Do Pigs Like Mud?

A pig rolling in the mud should be a typical sight. It is, if you watch Peppa Pig. But in reality, the majority of pigs raised in an industrial setting are not—they are raised indoors, with air conditioning, concrete and parasite control. This becoming the norm—wanting pigs to look clean—to be comfortable, like we might be. But here’s the truth. Pigs aren’t people. They’re pigs!

When people visit the farm, they are always surprised to see the pigs settled deep into the mud. I suppose that it isn’t an appetizing thought, but I think that in order to raise an animal, we’ve really got to try our best to settle into their “shoes” if you will, to better understand what is better for them.

Here are some fun facts:

1. Pigs can’t sweat.
2. Pigs are oblong-shaped and high in body fat.
3. Pigs can bring their body temp down by 2˚celsius by wallowing in mud–which is actually more efficient than active sweat glands!
4. Mud removes parasites (ex. Lice and ticks) from their coats.
5. Mud acts as a sunscreen for pigs.

And listen to this: according to livescience.com “…wallowing may also be a sign of well-being in swine. And since few farmers provide their swine with mud pits, wallowing may be an animal welfare issue, researcher Marc Bracke of Wageningen University and Research Center wrote online in April in the journal Applied Animal.” The article goes on to warn that “…farmers shouldn’t think that they can replace wallowing with air-conditioned barns and anti-parasite medicines…This could involve a repetition of the mistake made by animal scientists and farmers who previously suggested that farm animals do not need to forage (search for food) when they are provided with nutritious food,” Bracke wrote. “That view has led to serious welfare problems such as tail biting, etc.”

So what about when the temps start dropping? Do pigs still enjoy a good romp in dirt? Here at the farm, you’ll still find my pigs lying in the mud, cuddled up. Apparently, pigs use mud to mark territory and again, to keep parasites under control.

Here’s something else to consider: keeping pigs inside, while being economical, isn’t what’s best for them. If you breed for meat, the pork will become fattier than it should, faster than it should. They will also suffer from boredom—which can lead to atypical behaviour in pigs.

As for the pigs here at Old Wood Hollow, mangalitsas are a little different than the typical pig. They’re covered with a layer of coarse hair, which is made up of tight curls, which grows thicker in the winter. They are quite comfortable in the cold, especially given their origins in Hungary. But one thing they have in common with the typical pig? They LOVE mud. And they love to move, which is excellent given their high fat content. The only time I bring my pigs inside is when they farrow or have been injured (which thankfully, as been rare).

So there you have it: a mud-crusted wallowing pig is a happy pig.