Everything But the Oink

The hog is serving essential human needs everyday. From the safe and high-quality product on your plate to a medical lifesaving device and everything in between no other animal provides society with a wider range of products than the hog. Co-products from hogs play a vital though less visible role in maintaining and improving the quality of human life. Thanks to innovative research and new technologies, new and different co-products from hogs are constantly being developed. Insulin from hogs is used in the treatment of diabetes. Hog heart valves are used to replace damaged or diseased human heart values. Skin from hogs is used to treat severe burn victims. The amazing utility of the hog has motivated the saying, “We use everything but the oink.” A viable animal agriculture not only provides an abundant supply of vital nutrients found in meat, but is also a ready source of essential and useful co-products that people depend on so extensively.

Did you know?

Hog heart valves, specially preserved and treated, are surgically implanted in humans to replace heart valves weakened by disease or injury. Since the first operation in 1971, thousands of hog heart valves have been successfully implanted in human recipients of all ages.

Pharmaceutical Co-Products

Pharmaceuticals rank second only to meat itself in the important contributions hogs make to society. Rapidly advancing science and technology are continually adding to the list of life-supporting and lifesaving products derived from the incredible hog.

Hogs are powerful medicine: All told, hogs are a source of nearly 20 drugs and pharmaceuticals.

Adrenal Glands

• Corticosteroids
• Cortisone
• Epinephrine
• Norepinephrine

Blood

• Blood Albumens
• Blood Fibrin
• Fetal Pig Plasma
• Plasmin

Brain

• Cholesterol
• Hypothalamus

Gall Bladder

• Chenodeoxycholic Acid

 Heart

• Heart Valves
• Intestines
• Enterogastrone
• Heparin
• Secretin

Liver

• Cholic Acid Catalase
• Desiccated Liver

Ovaries

• Estrogens
• Progesterone
• Relaxin

Pancreas Gland

• Insulin
• Kallikrein
• Glucagon
• Lipase
• Pancreatin
• Trypsin
• Chymotrypsin

Pineal Gland

• Melatonin

Pituitary Gland

• ACTH – Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
• ADH – Antidiuretic Hormone
• Oxytocin
• Prolactin
• TSH – Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

Skin

• Porcine Burn Dressings
• Gelatin

Spleen

• Splenic Fluid

Stomach

• Pepsin
• Mucin
• Intrinsic Factor

Thyroid Gland

• Thyroxin
• Calcitonin
• Thyrogloblin

Industrial Co-Products

Hogs also make a very significant contribution to the world of industrial and consumer products. Hog co-products are sources of chemicals used in the manufacture of a wide range of products that cannot be duplicated by syntheses. And, of course, pigskin is used extensively as high quality leather for clothing, shoes, handbags, sporting goods, upholstery and more.

Blood

• Sticking Agent
• Leather Treating Agents
• Plywood Adhesive
• Protein Source in Feeds
• Fabric Printing & Dyeing

Brains

• Cholesterol

Bones & Skin

• Glue
• Pigskin
• Garments
• Gloves & Shoes

Dried Bones

• Buttons
• Bone China
• Bone Meal
• Mineral Source in Feed
• Fertilizer
• Porcelain
• Enamel
• Glass
• Water Filters

Gall Stones

• Ornaments

Hair

• Artist’s Brushes
• Insulation
• Upholstery

Meat Scraps

• Commercial Feeds
• Pet food

Fatty Acids & Glycerine

• Insecticides
• Weed Killers
• Lubricants
• Oil Polishes
• Rubber
• Cosmetics
• Antifreeze
• Nitroglycerine
• Plastics
• Plasticizers
• Printing Rollers
• Cellophane
• Floor Waxes
• Waterproofing Agents
• Cement
• Fiber Softeners
• Crayons
• Chalk
• Phonograph Records
• Matches
• Putty
• Paper Sizing
• Insulation
• Linoleum

(source pg 36-37)