Is the perceived lack of intelligence in pigs a true reflection of their cognitive abilities? This question unveils surprising insights and tells the story of a piglet, initially destined for neglect, who defied expectations and overturned prevailing perceptions.

Beanut: A Piglet’s Journey

Within the swine industry, what is often labeled as unintelligence is not necessarily indicative of limited mental capacity but rather a judgment imposed by the pragmatic realities of farm management. Meet Beanut, our protagonist, a piglet born on a typical American Midwest farm where a pig’s value is primarily determined by growth rate and feed conversion efficiency.

Here, the definition of intelligence takes on a different meaning. While pigs may demonstrate remarkable cognitive abilities in their natural environments, the farm environment imposes a different set of standards. A “less intelligent” pig is often simply one that does not respond effectively to training, struggles to adapt to the stresses of a crowded pen, or fails to meet the required growth targets. Some research suggests that genetic variations may influence a pig’s ability to learn specific tasks. These variations do not necessarily signify a general lack of intelligence but may reflect difficulties in processing information or responding to stimuli within a specific environment. Pigs exhibiting aggressive behavior or difficulty integrating into the herd are often deemed unmanageable. However, such behavior may stem from tension and stress within the confined pen environment, rather than an inherent lack of cognitive ability. The reality is that a percentage of piglets on large farms are culled due to health or behavioral issues that hinder their ability to thrive. These pigs are often labeled as unintelligent or weak, but is this classification truly justified?

Some farmers employ scoring systems to evaluate pig behavior, assigning negative points for behaviors such as excessive biting or non-responsiveness to vocal commands. This system influences the fate of many pigs and highlights how a superficial assessment can mask underlying potential. However, historical evidence suggests otherwise. In some cultures, pigs have been traditionally used as truffle detectors, demonstrating their superior ability to learn and differentiate between scents. This aptitude contrasts sharply with the stereotype of unintelligence and raises fundamental questions about our definition of intelligence and the potential for rehabilitating animals we deem incapable. Could Beanut possess untapped potential? Share your initial predictions in the comments before we delve into Beanut’s story. And subscribe to our documentary channel for future updates.

The Challenges of Training

The initial days were marked by setbacks and discouragement. Training a pig on a simple task, such as sitting, typically requires four to six weeks of short, daily sessions. However, Beanut showed no discernible progress. Frustration can quickly develop in pigs, particularly in the absence of positive reinforcement. And Beanut, in the stark training environment, experienced only frustration.

Experienced swine farmers understand that maintaining a pig’s focus presents a significant challenge. Foraging is a powerful instinct that is difficult to suppress. While the trainer attempted to guide Beanut, the piglet remained engrossed in digging, driven by the instinct to forage. One anecdote tells of a farmer who attempted to train his pig to fetch, only to have the pig stubbornly bury the retrieved items. After a week of unsuccessful attempts, the farmer conceded defeat. Pigs are not inherently obedient like dogs; their thought processes differ significantly. If they do not perceive an immediate and tangible benefit, they are likely to disengage. Only a small percentage of pigs successfully complete a simple obstacle course.

Unlocking Potential: Scent, Touch, and Sound

Amidst these challenges, a turning point emerged: the discovery of a key to unlocking Beanut’s potential. The initial difficulties in training pigs seemed insurmountable, but hidden behind these challenges were unexpected keys waiting to be discovered. Research from Purdue University revealed the remarkable ability of pigs to distinguish between odors, surpassing human capabilities. Could scent be the missing link in communication? One pig learned to open a complex box using only its nose after thirty minutes of training, motivated by food rewards. This was not a random occurrence but a deliberate and organized response to a specific olfactory stimulus.

Senses do not operate in isolation, a concept reinforced by Dr. Temple Grandin, a pioneer in animal behavior science, who emphasized the critical role of touch. Gentle petting and tactile stimulation can significantly reduce stress and enhance a pig’s receptiveness to learning. The reward was not solely material but also the sense of security and trust fostered by touch. Music, an unexpected element, was introduced and proved to be transformative. Pigs exposed to calming classical music during training demonstrated a notable improvement in performance. Was this merely coincidental, or does music exert a calming effect that enhances focus and attention?

Bill Smith, an innovative Australian farmer, developed a unique communication system with his pigs, based on customized vocal cues, where each sound was associated with a specific reward. The immediate response and rapid comprehension provided compelling evidence that pigs are capable of complex learning when information is presented in an accessible and easily understood manner. At Iowa State University, an innovative training system was developed that relies entirely on colors. Each color represents a specific task that the pig must complete. Colors, a simple and unambiguous visual language, proved surprisingly effective in simplifying and clarifying instructions for pigs. Interactive games are also of significant value in pig training. Balls containing food are not merely a means of keeping pigs occupied but powerful educational tools that stimulate curiosity and develop cognitive abilities.

Luke’s Triumph: Perseverance and Positive Reinforcement

Intensive training represents progress towards tangible success and offers a glimpse into a world of previously unimagined potential. Consider Luke, a pig who might have been overlooked were it not for the dedication of his trainer, Mark Tinke, and his unwavering belief in Luke’s capabilities. The initial stages were challenging, marked by resistance, and numerous obstacles seemed insurmountable. However, Tinke persevered, replacing coercive methods with positive reinforcement techniques that emphasized motivating rewards and consistent encouragement. He discovered that food served as an irresistible incentive, and verbal praise provided a moral boost that ignited enthusiasm in Luke.

Imagine the scene: rigorous daily training that challenged both body and mind, agility exercises that broke the monotony, daring jumps that defied gravity, and delicate balancing acts that tested physical limits. The training extended to solving complex puzzles, requiring critical thinking and focus to obtain the reward: food. Initially, Luke resisted, stubbornly clinging to his reluctance. However, over time, noticeable changes emerged: improved focus, faster responses to commands, and an increasing eagerness to learn. Luke achieved a remarkable feat by winning the agricultural games competition, excelling in the obstacle course and collecting colored balls.

Pickles’ Orchard Challenge: A Real-World Test

The moment of truth: the final test awaits. After weeks of demanding training, the time has come to assess whether Pickles – a pig previously considered unintelligent – has truly internalized the lessons. This is not merely a demonstration of skills in a controlled environment but a direct confrontation with the challenges of the real agricultural world. The task? Sorting fallen apples in a vast orchard. While seemingly simple, the task requires precise differentiation between sizes and colors, rapid execution, and the ability to work independently. The orchard is not a controlled training ground but a real environment filled with distractions: the scents of the soil, the sounds of insects, and the activity of farmworkers. These factors could potentially divert Pickles’ attention and reveal whether the training has truly been effective or was merely superficial.

Pickles is now equipped with a small basket securely attached to his back. His mission is clear: collect the ripe fallen apples, accurately separate the large apples from the small ones, and place each type in a designated container. This is not simply a test of innate intelligence but a rigorous assessment of the ability to work efficiently and minimize crop loss. Scientific research indicates that pigs possess remarkable cognitive abilities, capable of learning complex tasks and solving difficult problems. The question is whether Pickles can apply these abilities in a practical, real-world setting.

Redefining Intelligence: Pickles’ Unexpected Success

Unexpected success redefines intelligence. A pivotal moment! This test was not just an evaluation of Pickles’ sorting ability but a revelation of untapped potential. This pig, previously labeled as unintelligent, demonstrated remarkable accuracy in distinguishing between different types of apples, exceeding all expectations. This unexpected success raises profound questions: Were our initial judgments fair? Have we overlooked the cognitive abilities of pigs due to our limited perspective? Pigs have learned to use a joystick to move a cursor on a screen and even play simple video games, demonstrating an exceptional ability to learn and adapt that extends beyond routine training. The results were surprising and inspiring to the farmer, whose perspective shifted from doubt to admiration. The trainers, who had invested significant effort, realized that they had underestimated the true potential of these animals.

Most importantly, this resounding success began to change the perception of the entire community. An intelligent pig won a task performance competition on an Iowa farm, outperforming highly trained dogs! This achievement, among others, significantly contributed to challenging the negative stereotype of pigs. Dr. Stan Curtis, an expert in animal behavior, explains that pigs possess cognitive abilities that far exceed traditional beliefs, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for learning and problem-solving.