Unconventional uses of pigs

Unconventional uses of pigs. The study presents the possibilities of pigs’ sensory organs and their sensitivity to odor stimuli (i.e. to search for truffles and drugs by pigs), as well as their role in the animal adaptation processes. We use the knowledge about the senses to more effectively enrich farming environment and in this way to improve the animal welfare. The pigs’ ability to distinguish and remember sounds and the appropriate associated reaction can be used to create the desired behavior, improve welfare of pigs and their production results. Similarly, the pigs’ ability to distinguish colors and their color preferences also enable to influence the behavior, welfare, and production effects of pigs. Miniature pigs are used as companion animals and in rehabilitation. The similarity in the anatomical structure of the pig and human organs, and the course of physiological and metabolic processes are used in medical research and creates hope for their use in so-called xenotransplantation. Transgenic pigs create new horizons in the unconventional use of pigs.