Why do pigs live in barns?

No, pigs are native to Europe and Asia and were brought over to America in the 1500's by Hernando de Soto. 

The main product pigs are raised for is their nutrient-rich meat. Pigs also provide a wide range of products, like buttons and crayons, that are made from the pig's blood, bones, skin, hair, or fatty acids. 

Iowa is number one in pork production, followed by Minnesota, North Carolina, Illinois, and Indiana. 

One very important type of technology pig farmers use in their barns is a temperature and humidity gauge. This allows farmers to control the temperature and humidity levels inside the barns where the pigs live. This technology is important because it ensure the pigs are comfortable and safe from extreme temperatures that could be harmful.

Pigs have sweat glands like we do, but that are not functional and so pigs don't sweat. Sweating is our body's natural way of cooling down. If the temperature rises over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, pigs can suffer from heat stress which is life threatening. 

Farmers start their day by going to their barns and changing into clean clothes. This is to reduce the chance of germs to get into the barn where the pigs live. Farmers check the temperature and humidity levels to make sure the pigs are comfortable. Then then walk through the pens to check on all their pigs, starting with the youngest pigs first. Farmers also check the pig feed and water stations. Pig farmers also record everything from maintenance work to pig treatment information. Pig farmers also have many more chores that they may no do every day, like moving pig to their new pens when they make weight or fixing anything around the farm that might need fixed. 

No. There are three different types of barns for pigs at different sizes. Newborn piglets live in the farrowing barn until they are 13-15 pounds. Then they are moved to the nursery until they reach 50-60 pounds. Lastly, they are moved to the finishing barn until they weigh roughly 280 pounds.

Everyone on a pig farm is educated and trained specifically on food safety and animal well-being. This includes the farmer(s), all farm employees, veterinarians, and even the people who transfer the pigs to the market. 

Pigs eat a nutritionally balanced meal that is determined by the farmer and animal nutritionist. Their food includes specific vitamins, minerals, and sources of protein. Two important ingredients in their food are corn and soybeans!

The amount of food a pig eats every day depends on their breed, weight, age, temperature, and water consumption. 

Pigs drink up to 14 gallons of water every day!

Pigs live in barns because pig farmers can ensure they are comfortable and healthy. Pigs can't survive extreme temperatures like we have here in Illinois, so keeping them in barns allows farmers to control the heat and air conditioning, along with the humidity levels. Keeping pigs in barns also keeps them away from predators and harmful infections and diseases that they can get from digging around in the dirt. Since farmers are raising pigs for food, they do everything they can to make sure the pig is healthy and comfortable.