Discover how the humble pig provides not just delicious meals, but also medical treatments, everyday products and industrial materials that enhance our lives.
ALL BUT THE OINK: For years, humanity has benefited from all that hogs provide, far beyond the meat cuts we find in the meat case and on our plates. Chops, roasts, loins or bacon come to mind when asked to name your favorite part of a hog. Or all the above.
As we near October, which is also designated as Pork Month, it’s a good time to pay homage to the wonderful swine who brings the world so much more than delicacies for our plates.
Pork is the most consumed animal protein in the world, but the lovable hog also provides a wide range of products that not only fill stomachs globally but also make people’s lives better.
For more than 30 years, pig heart valves have been used in humans needing valve replacement. Only three years ago, a 57-year-old man with advanced heart disease became the first human to receive a heart from a genetically modified pig. A year later, a second man also received a heart from a genetically modified pig.
Sadly, both gentlemen passed away months after each had been given hope for a longer life thanks to the transplanted pig organ. Despite these setbacks, researchers will continue to work toward a day when such transplants will be successful, and humans suffering from heart ailments can have their lives extended.
Burn victims have also received healing aid thanks to pig skin used in grafting.
There are many more ways that hogs better our lives, as they are the source of nearly 20 drugs and pharmaceuticals, as well as numerous industrial co-products. The old saying, “We use everything but the oink” is full on display when you look at the origin of all these products.
There’s value all over the hog, inside and out. From the pancreas gland alone, we get kallikrein, glucagon, lipase, pancreatin, trypsin and chymotrypsin. From bones and skin, we get porcine burn dressings, gelatin, buttons, bone China, bonemeal, mineral source in feed, fertilizer, porcelain, enamel, glass and water filters.
The mother lode of beneficial products from pigs are derived from fatty acids and glycerin and can be found in many everyday goods such as insecticides and weed killers for around the farm and home; to lubricants and antifreeze, to kids’ crayons and chalk; phonograph records for our entertainment and linoleum for flooring.
This October let’s raise a glass to toast the plentiful pig. Not only does it nourish us, but the whole hog can clothe us in leather and provide us with a plate to put our pork chops, which has been perfectly grilled to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F with a three-minute rest. Bon appétit this upcoming Pork Month.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
I have to admit, as a former hog producer myself, that they have a warm spot in my heart. After reading this article, it is clear that they can literally have a warm spot in someone's heart. They truly are amazing animals who contribute mightily to our health and well-being. Not only do pigs supply us with tasty food, but many health-related products as well. With that said, I agree with the article – let’s raise a toast to the plentiful pig!
Also, as a reminder, anyone in the livestock industry, including pork producers, are doing very well financially at the moment. Put them on your preferred customer list and make sure your inventory is listed on AgTruckTrader.com®. With the new tax laws that now allow 100% expensing, they will be looking for those new trucks.
