• Question: what are the downsides of working with pigs

    Asked by bakugo to priscillatng, Maddy, andylaw on 11 May 2025.
    • Photo: Andy Law

      Andy Law answered on 11 May 2025:

      The obvious answer is that they smell a bit. As a computer-based scientist, I rarely get to see them close up though. Having said that, I did work on a commercial pig farm for a year between school and university. They’re also quite expensive. Certainly more so than chickens or mice.

Comments

  • Photo: melissau

    melissau commented on :

    Pigs which are bred for meat are very large when they’re fully grown, so the downsides of working with them can relate to safety – as they can weigh well over 100kg, if they’re scared or angry (particularly the male pigs) it can be dangerous to be in an enclosed space with them. The upsides are that they’re very intelligent and curious animals, so as long as they’re living in an environment where they’re relaxed and happy, they can be very engaging to work with. And if you work with breeding sows (female pigs) you get to interact with their piglets, who can be incredibly cute and entertaining!