The functions of a pig's tail and the 2020 pig farming market forecast
Pigs are a common mammal and can be divided into domestic pigs and wild boars. The domestic pig is a subspecies formed after wild boars were domesticated by humans; its tusks have degenerated, and it is mainly raised for human consumption. There are many pig breeds, and different breeds differ in coat color, body size and so on, but they are usually fat with large ears, a straight snout, and a tail covered with fine hair. So what are the functions of a pig's tail? And what will the 2020 pig farming market forecast look like?
1. What are the functions of a pig's tail?
1. A pig's tail can promote growth
When a pig lies quietly, its tail is active; when it sleeps, the tail hangs down and is tucked in. After waking up in the morning, a pig performs a set of tail exercises, which increases the joint movement between the vertebrae, promotes blood circulation in the body, helps metabolism, and is beneficial to the pig's growth.
2. A pig's tail can show the pig's growth rate
Generally, pigs with thick and short tails grow faster than those with thin and long tails, and their build is also sturdier.
3. A pig's tail can help determine whether there are parasites in the body
Whether the base of a pig's tail has more or less hair, or has hair at all, can be used to judge whether the pig has parasites in its body. Pigs with parasites generally have very itchy anuses and often rub against walls, so the hair on the tail gets worn off.
4. A pig's tail can protect the external genitalia
A pig's tail can serve to protect the anus and genital area. When a pig is under attack, it will point its rear end toward the wall to prevent the other animal from biting its tail.
2. What will the 2020 pig farming market forecast look like?
At present, China's live pig prices are basically maintained at an average price of around 17 yuan, slightly lower than in November, and much higher than in the first half of the year. This is mainly due to the impact of African swine fever, which caused a sharp decrease in the number of live pigs.
After entering December, the number of live pigs in various places increased somewhat, and live pig prices, which had been rising continuously before, were lowered somewhat. At present, most provinces still show small increases. Judging from the national trend, live pig prices in the south are somewhat higher than in the north, and the supply of live pigs is somewhat lower. Based on these market dynamics, in 2020 live pig prices should still remain at the current level, and there will not be a sharp downward trend.
In the second half of this year, the state issued various opinions and measures to restore and increase live pig production capacity in response to the rapid rise in live pig prices and the continuous decrease in live pig supply. Rural areas opened up bans and restrictions on pig farming, encouraged large-scale farming, and provided corresponding supporting facility subsidies, among other things. Overall, the state encourages pig farming, so in 2020 the number will increase somewhat, and the market will not be greatly affected. This is because most farmers still do not dare to easily raise many pigs; the setback brought by African swine fever was too great, and a recovery period is needed.