Pigs are intelligent animals that many people fall in love with. They make a great addition to a backyard farm but with them comes a host of questions. Among the top questions to ask, is just how long do they live?
How long do pigs live? Pigs can live to be between 15 and 20 years. Wild pigs, such as wild boars, may live up to 15 years in the wild but on average only live to be 4 or 5 years old, due to the challenges of living in the wild. On the other hand, wild boars that are in a pig sanctuary can reach the age of 20 years old. Health, predators, and genetics are all factors that determine just how long a pig will live.
How long do pigs live as pets?
When pigs are kept as pets, they have a much better chance of living a nice, full life. Pet pigs regularly live to be 10 to 15 years old and some even reach the age of 20 years.
Pet pigs are afforded a much better level of care than wild pigs. They have access to a regular, healthy diet. There are no predators, and if there are health issues, a vet visit can be arranged.
How long do pigs live as livestock?
Farm pigs do not live as long as pet pigs. However, their ages are controlled, as, similar to pet pigs, livestock pigs have steady access to healthy food, face no predators, and have regular check-ups with their vet.
However, pigs have different purposes on a farm, and thus their lifespan is often cut short.
Pigs are often slaughtered when they are just 6 months old. Sows, or pigs that are used to produce piglets, have a lifespan of 1 ½ to 2 years old before they are culled.
Pig Breeds Lifespan
Duroc
The oldest domestic breed in the United States is the Duroc pig. They are red in color and their average size makes them an excellent domestic pet. In fact, they love to cuddle up on their owner’s laps.
Duroc pigs live to be older than other breeds. This long lifespan is a result of selective breeding that made them a favorite among farmers.
While once Duroc pigs used to crush their piglets, now smaller piglets are a norm. Duroc pigs were cross-bred with other species to create smaller piglets that have a greater chance of survival.
Duroc pigs have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Spotted
Spotted pigs look just as their name implies. They have a light pink skin with black spots all over their body.
Over time, spotted pigs have been bred to have impeccable traits. They have a great feed efficiency and rate of gain. Furthermore, sows are docile and productive.
Spotted pigs have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
Hampshire
Hampshire pigs are well known for their specific markings. They are black in color except for a white ring around their bellies.
These farm animals are rapid growers and sows are particularly praised. They are excellent, docile mothers who really care for their piglets.
Hampshire pigs have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
Berkshire
Berkshire pigs have their origin in England but are now raised around the world. Their bodies are black but they have characteristically white feet that look like socks.
If you have a farm and want quality meat, this is a good breed to consider. There are not many issues with milk production and their calm personality means you don’t have to worry about territory disputes.
Berkshire pigs have a lifespan of 6 to 10 years.
Landrace
Landrace pigs are of such high quality, that their country of origin, Denmark, once refused to export the pigs. Instead, they wanted to maintain their position as the country that exported the most, and best, bacon.
Nowadays, you can find Landrace pigs all over the United States. Once born, the piglets are quite large and consume a lot of milk.
However, there are some common health issues. These pigs are susceptible to nervous disorders and leg weaknesses.
Landrace pigs have a lifespan of 6 to 10 years.
Yorkshire
Yorkshire pigs are quite active and have been used to cross-breed their superior genes into other species of pigs.
However, there are some health problems to be aware of. Yorkshire pigs are quite large and this amount of weight can result in respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
While Yorkshire pigs technically have a decent lifespan, they are not great domestic pets and therefore are slaughtered at a younger age.
Yorkshire pigs have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years.
Poland China
Despite its name, this breed of pigs is actually from the United States and was first bred in Ohio. It’s not really known how the name came about, but it’s believed American farmers thought this was how a cross-breed of Polish and Chinese pigs would look like.
These pigs have been bred to increase their weight rapidly. As a result, they can develop joint pain and leg issues.
Poland China pigs have a lifespan of 6 to 10 years.
Chester White
Chester White pigs are, quite naturally, white in color. While female Chester White pigs are quite docile, males are very aggressive.
There are quite a few health issues to be aware of with this breed. They are prone to a Vitamin C deficiency, which can make them weak as well as be in chronic pain.
Chester White pigs have a lifespan of 6 to 8 years.
How long until a pig is full grown?
Pigs grow very fast and are considered full-grown by 6 months of age. They are then able to be slaughtered.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a livestock pig or a domestic pig, you want to know the common facts.
Livestock pigs can live for a long time, but their purpose, that of either meat production or breeding, means they only live to be 6 months to 3 years. Domestic pigs, on the other hand, can live to be 15 or even 20 years old.
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