3 ms·

I know this sounds selfish, but I sometimes wonder if it would be possible to genetically engineer a pig to stay a cute young piglet for it's entire life, rathe

by divbit 9y ago

I know this sounds selfish, but I sometimes wonder if it would be possible to genetically engineer a pig to stay a cute young piglet for it's entire life, rather than turning into a large, hungry adult pig. In this way, pigs could be companion animals, rather than food animals, and I haven't thought through all the angles, but if I was a pig, it seems that would sound be more appealing for sure. (Compare below images: http://beavercreekfarm.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Charlotte_5738_LR-1024x681.jpg http://beavercreekfarm.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Charlot... http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/disney/images/b/bb/Free_walt_disney_piglet_wallpaper.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140415074205 http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/disney/images/b/bb/Free_... )

jstanley 9y ago
I don't see anything wrong with the first picture. It's gruff, but it's not repulsive.
- Drakim 9y ago
  Even if we ignore appearances, at some point there is just a max size convenience limit to house pets.
  - deleted 9y ago
    [deleted]
divbit_m 9y ago
what are you, racist pig ?!
- divbit_m 9y ago
  er... ag-ist
koala_man 9y ago
Well, we /did/ turn wolves into Pomeranians.
- unclenoriega 9y ago
  The neoteny is real.
stevep98 9y ago
You could say the same about dogs and cats. Wouldn't everyone love it if their puppy or kitten would stay cute forever. But then again, if you've somehow invented a way for animals to stay looking young forever, 7 billion humans might want a word with you...
belorn 9y ago
Maybe a bit ironic in this case but that first image is of a adult mini pig which is general seen as a companion animal and not a farm animal that is used for food. Also, those pigs just love being scratched behind the ear. My family had one when I was growing up, and they are quite nicer and more friendly than piglets for regular domestic pigs (which we also had).

by divbit 9y ago

jstanley 9y ago

I don't see anything wrong with the first picture. It's gruff, but it's not repulsive.

Drakim 9y ago
Even if we ignore appearances, at some point there is just a max size convenience limit to house pets.
- deleted 9y ago
  [deleted]

divbit_m 9y ago

what are you, racist pig ?!

divbit_m 9y ago
er... ag-ist

koala_man 9y ago

Well, we /did/ turn wolves into Pomeranians.

unclenoriega 9y ago
The neoteny is real.

stevep98 9y ago

You could say the same about dogs and cats. Wouldn't everyone love it if their puppy or kitten would stay cute forever. But then again, if you've somehow invented a way for animals to stay looking young forever, 7 billion humans might want a word with you...

belorn 9y ago

Maybe a bit ironic in this case but that first image is of a adult mini pig which is general seen as a companion animal and not a farm animal that is used for food. Also, those pigs just love being scratched behind the ear. My family had one when I was growing up, and they are quite nicer and more friendly than piglets for regular domestic pigs (which we also had).