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LINCOLN — From bacon sizzling in the skillet to breakthroughs in modern medicine, pigs continue to prove their value far beyond the dinner table.
As National Pork Month shines a spotlight on the industry, it’s a good time to recognize how hogs help feed — and heal — the world. Pork remains the most consumed animal protein globally, but the benefits of pigs stretch well past the plate.
For more than 30 years, pig heart valves have been used in human valve replacement surgeries, saving lives across the globe.
Pig skin has helped burn victims recover through grafting procedures that promote healing and reduce scarring. And that’s only the beginning.
Hogs are the source of nearly 20 different drugs and pharmaceuticals, as well as countless industrial co-products that touch daily life. The old saying, “We use everything but the oink,” still holds true today.
There’s value in every part of the animal. From the pancreas gland, scientists extract compounds such as kallikrein, glucagon, lipase, pancreatin, trypsin and chymotrypsin — each used in medications that help manage blood sugar, digestion and circulation. From bones and skin, we get materials used in porcine burn dressings, gelatin, bone china, porcelain, fertilizer, and even glass and water filters.
Even the byproducts of pork production have purpose. Fatty acids and glycerine derived from pigs are key ingredients in insecticides, weed killers, lubricants, antifreeze, crayons, chalk, vinyl records and linoleum flooring.
The list goes on — proving that pork’s impact extends far beyond flavor.
The National Pork Board, through its Taste What Pork Can Do campaign, continues to remind consumers that pork isn’t just a meal; it’s a source of innovation and well-being.
Beyond its more than 110 unique flavor nuances, pork plays a vital role in nutrition, health care, and global industry.
Whether it’s helping an athlete recover faster, saving a patient’s life or simply making dinner delicious, pigs remain one of the world’s most versatile and valuable animals.
