Source:  NC A&T UNIVERSITY, 1/15/21


Consider the pig.

A source of tasty meat. The inspiration for countless puns. Responsible for $10 billion in yearly revenue and 44,000 jobs statewide, according to a recent economic impact survey. It also is a source of identity for North Carolina towns from Lexington in the west to Greenville in the east.

In addition to their economic impact and contribution to the food supply, pigs are connected to humans through a host of anatomical similarities known to every biology student. Pig skin, for example, is a go-to treatment for burn victims. Pig heart valves have successfully replaced human heart valves, being of the same approximate size and shape. Fetal pigs’ muscles are almost identical to those of humans.

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