What is the Difference Between Boar and Pig?

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The terms "boar" and "pig" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Here are the differences between the two:

  • A pig generally refers to a domesticated animal of the species Sus scrofa domestica, which is commonly raised as livestock for meat.
  • A boar is a non-castrated male swine, and it is typically used to describe wild or feral pigs.

Wild boars are a species of pig, but not all pigs are wild boars. Domesticated pigs are larger and heavier than wild boars. Some physical differences between wild boars and domesticated pigs include:

  1. Wild boars have longer and straighter tails.
  2. Wild boars have longer legs.
  3. The head of a wild boar has a more elongated structure.
  4. Wild boars have hair running along the scruff of their neck and down their back.
  5. Wild boars have rougher hides compared to domesticated pigs.

In summary, the main difference between a boar and a pig is that a boar is a non-castrated male swine, typically referring to wild or feral pigs, while a pig is a domesticated animal of the species Sus scrofa domestica, commonly raised as livestock for meat.

Comparative Table: Boar vs Pig

Here is a table comparing the differences between boars and pigs:

Characteristic Boars Pigs
Scientific Name Sus scrofa (Wild boar) Sus scrofa domesticus (Domestic pig)
Size Generally larger, with longer legs and more elongated heads Smaller and more compact
Hair Presence of hair along the scruff of the neck and down its back Hairless or minimal hair
Hide Rougher hide Smoother hide
Tail Longer and straighter tail Shorter and curlier tail
Habitat Wild, natural environments Domesticated, farm settings
Population Control Wild boar hunting expeditions help control overpopulation and competition for resources No population control needed, as they are domesticated

In summary, boars are generally larger and have more elongated heads, longer legs, and rougher hides compared to pigs. They also have hair along their neck and back, and their tails are longer and straighter. Boars inhabit wild, natural environments, while pigs are domesticated and live in farm settings. Wild boar hunting expeditions help control their population and competition for resources.