Did You Know Pigs Are This Smart? Jaw-Dropping 'Amazing Intelligence'

Italian Torino University Researchers: Pigs Stop Fights and Calm Anger Like Humans
Pig IQ 75-85, Similar to 3-4 Year Old Children... Higher Than Dogs

[Asia Economy Reporter Bora Lee] A new study has revealed that pigs possess the intelligence to intervene in fights like humans and even help calm anger.

On the 10th (local time), according to The Washington Post (WP), researchers from the University of Torino in Italy reported that pigs can mediate fights through physical contact when conflicts arise.

The researchers announced that when fights break out among pigs, other pigs approach a few minutes later to help soothe the anger. They mainly observed behaviors such as stroking the opponent's body with their snouts or rubbing their ears. It was found that pigs engage in unique physical contact, such as resting their heads on the opponent's back to mediate conflicts.

The research team explained that with the intervention of other pigs, the frequency of attacks among the conflicting pigs decreased. Signs of anxiety also diminished. According to the researchers, physical contact is one of the representative ways pigs calm down members of their group.

Giada Cordoni, one of the study's authors, said, "Pigs are very social animals and possess complex and high cognitive abilities that allow them to recognize members of their group," adding, "This kind of intervention by pigs is called the 'Triadic Conflict Mechanism,' which until now has only been observed in humans, primates, wolves, and birds."

The study results were revealed after the research team observed 104 pigs for six months on a 130,000㎡ (39,325 pyeong) farm near the city of Torino in northwest Italy in 2018. Thanks to the relatively spacious farm, the pigs were able to behave naturally within their groups, WP added.

Meanwhile, pigs have an intelligence quotient (IQ) of about 75 to 85, which is higher than that of dogs (60) and similar to that of 3 to 4-year-old children. According to experts, pigs can perform various actions similar to companion dogs if trained.