eli5 Why do pigs have that strange tail, why it is not straight?

Question

eli5 Why do pigs have that strange tail, why it is not straight?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Pigtails like other tails move through muscle tension. This indicates the mood of the animal in addition to being useful for things like balance or gripping etc. Like dogs, pigs will reflect their emotional state through their tails. A curled tail often indicates a content pig. A hanging tail can indicate low mood and health issues. The tail curls on its own and no curling is needed. Farmers absolutely do not do that. What farmers do is dock the tails of pigs so other pigs wont bite at them. Distressed pigs tend to lash out and hanging tails are just within striking distance.

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Answer 2

Most wild pigs and some breeds of domesticated pigs have naturally straight tails, but a lot of domesticated pig breeds are descended from wild pigs from China that have naturally curly tails. When a curly-tailed pig’s tail goes straight it means that the animal is stressed or unhealthy, but some breeds of pig will just always have a straight tail.

Answer 3

I have been told that only happy pigs have curled tails,and sad pigs have a hanging straight tail.

Answer 4

Naturally the tails are straight*, but farmers curl them so the pigs don’t poke each other (pigs will cannibalize each other if they smell blood)