Pig Development
Introduction
Pig (Sus scrofa) developmental model is studied extensively due to the commercial applications of pigs for meat production and for health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and organ transplantation (xenotransplantation).
Taxon
Taxonomy ID: 9823
Genbank common name: pig
Inherited blast name: even-toed ungulates
Rank: species
Genetic code: Translation table 1 (Standard)
Mitochondrial genetic code: Translation table 2 (Vertebrate Mitochondrial)
Other names: wild boar, swine, pigs
Lineage (full): cellular organisms; Eukaryota; Fungi/Metazoa group; Metazoa; Eumetazoa; Bilateria; Coelomata; Deuterostomia; Chordata; Craniata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Teleostomi; Euteleostomi; Sarcopterygii; Tetrapoda; Amniota; Mammalia; Theria; Eutheria; Laurasiatheria; Cetartiodactyla; Suina; Suidae; Sus
Pig Development
- Female pigs can become pregnant at around 8 to 18 months of age.
- The pig has an estrus cycle occurring every 21 days if not bred.
- Male pigs become sexually active at 8-10 months of age.
- A litter of piglets is between 6 and 12 piglets.
Internet Links
- NCBI - Pig Genome
- USA - PigBase a computer database that includes information on papers published about gene mapping in the pig.
- NSW Agriculture - Pig breeds and breeding
- AGBU - Pig Genetics