Pigs are often underestimated and have been thought to be dirty creatures with no real purpose. They are often associated with sloppiness and dirt, which is perhaps what makes them the most underrated animals. However, new research has shown that this stereotype couldn’t be farther from the truth, with pigs being found to have an incredible sense of smell.

Pigs have been found to have noses which are as versatile as that of dogs. In fact, their sense of smell is far more powerful than dogs! This revelation is groundbreaking, especially since dogs are known for their acute sense of smell and are often used to sniff out drugs or bombs in airports and other sensitive places. It’s not common knowledge that pigs are actually better at sniffing things out than dogs.

Research has been conducted on pigs at the Pig Improvement Company in Scotland and it was discovered that pigs have far greater abilities in identifying and deciphering different smells than their canine counterparts. They are adept at identifying certain aromas in a quick span of time and can differentiate one scent from another even if the smells are mildly similar.

Pigs have been found to have near about 2,000 genes associated with their sense of smell, whereas dogs have only 811. This attributing factor has given pigs the edge when it comes to identifying certain odors – and has given researchers another reason to look at these animals as something much more than just a source of meat.

As well as these capabilities, scientists say that pigs can also detect odors at an almost microscopic level, which means that they can sense the presence of certain compounds in the air which humans can’t detect.

Apart from their other useful traits and instincts, their sense of smell often guides them in determining where to find food, which is also a crucial part of their survival. Their nose is also a powerful tool for helping them evade predators. They can recognize their “enemies” from a mile away based purely on their scent, and can keep their distance from them accordingly.

In conclusion, pigs’ noses are without a doubt, one of the most powerful and underestimated tools that they possess. Their sense of smell is one of their greatest strengths, and it is now being recognized and appreciated for the amazing quality that it is. Who knows, in the future we could even see these intelligent creatures being used for scent-related work on a more regular basis, rather than just for food.