what is swine

Swine is a term used to refer to pigs or hogs, which are stout-bodied, short-legged, and omnivorous mammals with a thick bristly skin and a long flexible snout. Swine are common farm animals and are kept for various purposes, including as a source of food products such as bacon, ham, sausage, pork chops, and other cuts. They are also used for industrial by-products such as leather, glue, artist brushes, and cosmetics. The term "hog" generally refers to older swine, while "pig" generally refers to younger swine. Swine influenza, also known as swine flu, is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza in pigs.