Boars, a type of wild pig, possess prominent dental structures known as tusks. These elongated teeth are a defining characteristic, serving various purposes in their survival and daily lives.
Anatomy and Growth of Boar Tusks
Boar tusks are specialized canine teeth extending outside the mouth, consisting of upper and lower pairs. The lower tusks, called “cutters,” are larger and sharper. The upper tusks, known as “whetters,” continuously sharpen the lower ones as the boar opens and closes its jaw, maintaining a sharp edge.
Tusks are composed primarily of dentin and covered with enamel. Unlike most teeth, boar tusks grow continuously throughout the animal’s life, particularly in males. This constant growth requires regular wear to prevent overgrowth, facilitated by an open root portion.
Tusk Development Across Boar Populations
Both male and female wild boars develop tusks, though their size and growth patterns differ. Male boars exhibit larger, more prominent tusks that grow indefinitely. In contrast, female boars, or sows, have smaller tusks that cease growing after a few years, usually around three to four years of age, when the root canal closes.
Permanent tusks emerge when wild pigs are between 7 and 13 months old. Their size and robustness are influenced by age, genetic makeup, and food availability. The largest tusks are often found in older, more mature individuals.
The Role of Tusks in Boar Behavior
Boar tusks serve multiple functions for their survival and social interactions. They are primarily used for defense against predators, including wolves, bears, or humans. A charging boar can inflict significant damage with its sharp tusks. Sows also utilize their smaller tusks to protect their young.
Tusks are also used in competition among male boars, particularly during mating season. Males engage in fierce battles to establish dominance and secure breeding rights, using their tusks to slash and wound rivals. Beyond combat, tusks are foraging tools, enabling boars to dig for underground food sources such as roots, tubers, and insects. This digging also aids in soil aeration and seed dispersal.
Tusk Differences Between Wild Boars and Domestic Pigs
Wild boars and domestic pigs share a common ancestry, but selective breeding has led to distinct differences in tusk development. Wild boars consistently possess significant, continuously growing tusks. Conversely, domestic pigs typically have much smaller, less pronounced canine teeth, if present, due to breeding practices that favor other traits.
However, if domestic pigs are released into the wild and become feral, they can revert to more ancestral traits, including prominent tusks. Tusk growth in pigs is influenced by testosterone, meaning intact male domestic pigs will develop larger tusks than castrated males or females. In farming, the needle teeth of piglets are trimmed shortly after birth to prevent injury to the sow and littermates.