How to train your Truffle pig

How to train your Truffle pig Fore those who are thinking of owning a truffle pig or just interested in them, this book will walk you through how to keep them and train them.

Edited by Emma Liles

Contents Introduction

2

All about the truffle pig and their best bits.

Basic training

6

All the basics you need to know to train your pig.

Advanced training More complex training for the pig that likes to be challenged.

18

Introduction Truffle’s are rare and expensive they would be far more so, were it not for the remarkable ability of pigs to sniff them out from as deep as three feet underground.

There are significant differences between your average pig and the truffle pig. It is important that you recognise these differences so that when you come to buy your pig you do not get coned into buying an average farm pig.

The Truffle pig Truffle pig are extraordinarily easy to train if you know how. Hopefully with the knowledge collected in this book you will be able to train your pig to become a world renowned truffle hunter. It may even rival those that come from Albany Italy, the home of the exclusive truffle.

A truffle pig must also be female as the truffles smell like a male pig, this is due to a strange chemical. A truffle pig must always be a female, stance’s musk-like scent, ‘’emanating of those of those perigord, sourcewhit truffle. from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and b considered ive lusthe truffle truffl of the exc are produced in the testes of human males and white m ma new to ny o con r e no f iss r pigs eur s a s, an e d i u t truffle secreted by their armpit sweat glandsa male pig arie If yo eone. r e o f The truvffl e r and are considering getting It is strong es e ing, th will be no good. Found in thearmpit sweat glands. tested were huntthat black recommended you start when the pi best by It can also be detected in the urine of women.

Growing truffles commercially is difficult since However if no female pigs are available it has they develop underground and very slowly. been known that am male pig that prefers its They do so usually in association with tree roots, own sex, i.e gay is also able to truffle hunt. This especially those of oaks. Efforts have been made method however has not been thoroughly tested in France to restore the open wood lands where and you should seek advice from experts if you they thrive, but 10 years may elapse before such wish to go down this route. an area becomes fully productiv. j

from

4

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The average Pig that this substance has a psychological effect The explanation, it seems, relates to the sex life on human beings. Michael Kirk-Smith and his of pigs - and perhaps of human beings as well. colleagues at that university showed pictures Researchers in West Germany have found that of normally clad women to male and female truffles contain large quantities of a substance subjects, researchers in the journal. also synthesized in the testes of boars.

You should get your pig accustomed to being In the boars it is secreted into their saliva around dogs of all shapes and sizes. By becoming when they court females. The Germans report desensitized to them then you pig should have no that the substance’s musklike scent, ‘’emanating problems if it faces one on the filed. from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and The explanation, it seems, relates to the sex prompts her standing reflex.’’ life of pigs and perhaps of human beings as well.

The chemical is twice as abundant in truffles Researchers in West Germany have found that as in the blood plasma of boars. Furthermore, it truffles contain large quantities of a he chemical and related steroids he Germans report that the is twice as abundant in truffles as in the blood substance’s musk-like scent, ‘’emanating from plasma of boars.

Furthermore, it and related the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and are steroids are produced in the testes of human produced in the testes of human males and n also males and secreted by their armpit sweat glands. be detected in their urine.

It can also be detected in the urine of.

The subjects were asked to grade the substance also synthesized in the testes of photographed women for sexual attractiveness. boars.

In the boars it is secreted into their saliva Those who had sniffed the substance gave higher when they court females. The Germans report grades than did the others. Such an effect, it is that the substance’s musk-like scent, proposed, might also account for the human ‘’emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by predilection for truffles. the sow and prompts her standing reflex.’’

As reported by the German researchers The chemical is twice as abundant in truffles as in the journal Experimentia last year and last in the blood plasma of boars. month by the journal Science, experiments at the University of Birmingham in England indicate

5

This book will explain how to train your truffle pig.

It is however imperative that your pig is female as males can not smell truffles unless its a gay male pig, these are however extremely rear. It is best to start training when you pig is a piglet.

Truffle pig are extraordinarily easy to train if you know how. Hopefully with the knowledge collected in this book you will be able to train your pig to become a world renowned truffle hunter. It may even rival those that come from Albany Italy, the home of the exclusive truffle.

A truffle pig must also be female as the truffles smell like a male pig, this is due to a strange chemical. “A truffle pig must always be a female, a male pig will be no good.�

Found in thearmpit sweat glands. It can also be detected in the urine of women.

However if no female pigs are available it has been known that am male pig that prefers its own sex, i.e gay is also able to truffle hunt. This method however has not been thoroughly tested that this substance has a psychological effect on human beings.Michael Kirk-Smith and his colleagues at that university showed pictures of normally clad women to male and female subjects, some of whom were also exposed to the musky odor of the substance, described chemically as 5a-androst-16-en-3a-ol.

The subjects were asked to grade the photographed women for sexual attractiveness.

Those who had sniffed the substance gave higher grades than did the others. Such an effect, it is proposed, might also account for the human predilection for truffles.

As reported by the German researchers in the journal Experimentia last year and last month by the journal Science, experiments at the University of Birmingham in England indicate.

6

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f 7

Truffle Pig Anatomy There are a number of different breeds of truffle pigs. Some of the best origanate from Albany in Italy. The offspring of these pigs can sell for millions. One thing all these pigs have in common is the same anatomic quality’s. The below diagram shows the key features that all truffle pig’s should have. Some truffle pig breeds will prize certain quality’s above others, but there are a numerous factor that must be taken into consideration when looking for the best truffle pig.

Powerful Shoulders Large powerful shoulders are a key feature that prime truffle hunting pigs have. They help the pig when digging as well as improve speed.

Ear Shoulder

Large Ears Large ears are beneficial as they allow the pig to hear over longer distances.

Snout

Cheek

Sensitive Snout Above all a truffle pig needs to have a good scene of smell. The more sensitive their snout the better they are a sniffing out truffles. Some of the grates truffle pigs have been able to sniff out a truffle from over 2 miles away.

Puffy Cheeks A truffle pig with puffy cheeks is more likely to dig deeper as the large cheeks help to shove dirt out of the way whilst the pig is digging for the truffle.

8

Fat Loin The loin should have a large fat content to cushion the spine of the pig.

Strong Ribs The ribs must be large and strong so the pig can have a much larger lung capacity.

Loin

Ribs Leg

Sturdy Legs and buttocks Sturdy legs allow the truffle pig to cover larger areas at a much faster pace. The faster a pig can trot the faster a hunter will get the truffles.

Belly

Hock Trim Hock Truffle pig’s must have sturdy yet trim hocks as this allows them to have a better balance than average pigs. This is one feature most truffle pig breeders look for.

Stout Belly A stout belly can store a large amount of energy for the winter when your pig will be hunting in the snow.

9

Basic Training The first stages to teaching any pig manners it to make sure you have a large space void of anything that may get broken or damaged. Also you should cover the floor in plastic sheeting when teaching it to eat at the table, as accidents are likely to occur.

The explanation, it seems, relates to the sex life of pigs - and perhaps of human beings as well.

Researchers in West Germany have found that truffles contain large quantities of a substance also synthesized in the testes of boars. In the boars it is secreted into their saliva when they court females. The Germans report that the substance’s musklike scent, ‘’emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and prompts her standing reflex.’’

“Once your p ig is ho remain use br in oken a manne doors, you s nd able hould rs. By to begin startin a well to teac g youn behav h it g you e ed pig nsure when you ha its old ve er.”

University of Birmingham in England indicate that this substance has a psychological effect on human beings.Michael Kirk-Smith and his colleagues at that university showed pictures of normally clad women to male and female subjects, some of whom were also exposed to the musky odor of the substance, described chemically as 5a-androst-16-en-3a-ol.

The subjects were asked to grade the photographed women for sexual attractiveness.

Those who had sniffed the substance gave higher grades than did the others. Such an effect, it is proposed, might also account for the human predilection for truffles.

As reported by the German researchers in the journal Experimentia last year and last month by the journal Science, experiments at the University at dicate th ngland in E ct on in e ff m e a l gh ologica h c y s of Birmin p a s tance ha this subs

The che mical is twice as as in the abundan blood pla t in truffl sma of b and rela es oars. Fu ted stero r th id ermore, s human m are prod it uced in ales and the teste secreted glands. s of by their It can als armpit s o be dete weat As repor cted in th ted by th e ir urine. in the jo e G e r m an resea urnal Ex rchers perimen month b tia last y y the jou ear and rnal Scie last nce, exp eriments at the

10

hum an b his coll eings. M eagu pict icha es ur e and es of n at that l KirkSmi orm fem univ th ally ale ersi sub c t l y sh and a dw ject ow ome s, n to ed mal e

"Good manners are essential for any indoor Miss A Truffle pig trainer in Surrey

pig "

11

Sit, Stay and Roll over This first stage of training should take place when the pig is quite young, about 6 weeks.

The aim is to house train your pig as well as get it familiar with the sent of truffles.

Teaching your pig to ‘go’ in all the right places!

As with training any new animal the first step is to get it to obey basic commands. You would go about this as if you were training a dog by using a simple reward system. However the first thing that you should teach your pig is to do its ‘business outside.

Sometimes house training a piglet or newly adopted pig can seem difficult and be very frustrating. However, many puppies and pigs can be house trained in around two weeks, as long as you stick to the following rules: The key to house training your piglet well and quickly is to give him as many opportunities as possible to get it right. It really is that simple! The more times he is rewarded for going to the toilet in the right place, the quicker he

will learn.

However, it’s equally important that you ny must never punis ha

mistake s that he makes d thinks y uring th ou are g is trainin o in g to pun confuse g. If he ish him and wor then you r y h much lo im and th ’ll only nger. e trainin g will ta ke

12

ne s can confi he basic that you e r e h How? T w e m nts’ ll, find so d ‘accide First of a on’t min d u mes o ti y f e r ie whe for br ly n g. o your pig is is g trainin g – but th him durin e is v r happenin e n p su or a u cannot el /crate when yo oor kenn d in ld be u n o a h e ld b en. It s h c it k This cou e th rt of the ned off in ll feel pa ti s l area pen il w he he’ll be ere that ay where w a somewh im h t don’t shu family – h will is own. h n o rea, whic y a tl ll n a e n m a s . perm tively ilet there be a rela g to the to It has to in nd o a g a e m r o safe a ge him fr ter in his a w discoura d n a bedding him in.

Place his e to feed c a p s is th also use

Sit Have your pig standing in front of you. Show him that you have a food treat in your hand.

• Slowly move your hand and treat above and over his head towards his tail, as you give the command “sit”. His head should go up as he tries to reach the treat and his bottom should go down into the ‘sit’ position. Give him the treat and praise him.

Do not push his bottom down to make him sit, as he is likely to push up against your hand as a result and may hurt his back.

When training your pig to sit, use the command “sit”. Do not use “sit down” as this may confuse your pig when you try to teach the ‘down’ command.

Stay:With his lead on for extra control, make him sit or lay down. Step away from him as you command him to “stay”. Silently count to five step back to him, treat and praise.

If he gets up, ask him to sit again and repeat the procedure.

After a few successful sessions, drop the lead before stepping away. If he is doing this short ‘stay’ correctly, gradually increase the distance between you and your pig and/or the time that

he is asked to stay. If he gets up when he is not supposed to, go back a stage to a shorter distance or time and then increase again slowly until he is doing as he is told every time. When you are confident that your pig will reliably stay during training, you can progress to unclipping his lead before stepping away.

Walking on a lead without pulling Practice in your home and garden first as there are fewer distractions for your dog than in the street.Choose which side you would like your pig to walk on and then stick to it.

Hold the lead in the opposite hand – keep it loose (if it is too tight, your pig will pull into it) and put a treat in the hand nearest your pig . Show your pig the treat and walk forwards. As he follows your hand, say “heel” and give him a small bit of the treat.

Keep some treat in your hand and keep going. As he keeps to your side, say “heel” and give him some more treat. Don’t stop walking.

If he doesn’t keep up with you, or pulls in a different direction, suddenly change direction and encourage him to come with you. Praise him when he catches up and give him some treat.

13

Fetc This a great game that will help introduce your pig to the truffle later on in training Playing fetch with your pig Is a way of introducing the idea that objects should be returned to you, preferably without being eaten.

h

The explanation, it seems, relates to the sex life of pigs - and perhaps of human beings as well.

Researchers in West Germany have found that truffles contain large quantities of a substance also synthesized in the testes of boars.

In the boars it is secreted into their saliva when they court females. The Germans report that the substance’s musklike scent, ‘’emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and prompts her standing reflex.’’

14

The chemical is twice as abundant in truffles as in the blood plasma of boars. Furthermore, it and related steroids he Germans report that the substance’s musk-like scent, ‘’emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and are produced in the testes of human males and secreted by their armpit sweat glands. It can also be detected in the urine of women. As reported by the German researchers in the journal .

Start with the Mushrooms As your pig is still quite young, rather than starting with truffles straight way. It is easier to introduce other types of fungi into games. One such example is find the mushroom. As the pig get older and more adept at finding the mushroom then you should introduce a truffle.

The explanation, it seems, relates to the sex life of pigs - and perhaps of human beings as well.

Researchers in West Germany have found that truffles contain large quantities of a substance also synthesized in the testes of boars. In the boars it is secreted into their saliva when they court females. The Germans report that the substance’s musk-like scent, ‘’emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and prompts her standing reflex.’’

The chemical is twice as abundant in truffles as in the blood plasma of boars. Furthermore, it and related steroids are produced in the testes of human males and secreted by their armpits.

15

“A pig can never be scared of a Mr T. R. Uffle Truffle hunter

16

dog

Truffle dogs are the main competitor of pigs when it comes to truffle hunting.

Therefore any pig that is scared of dogs will not last long in the industry.

You should get your pig accustomed to being around dogs of all shapes and sizes. By becoming desensitized to them then you pig should have no problems if it faces one on the filed.

The explanation, it seems, relates to the sex life of pigs - and perhaps of human beings as well.

Researchers in West Germany have found that truffles contain large quantities of a he chemical is twice as abundant in truffles as in the blood plasma of boars. Furthermore, it and related steroids are produced in the testes of human males and secreted by their armpit sweat glands.

og”

It can also be detected in the urine of. substance also synthesized in the testes of boars. In the boars it is secreted into their saliva when they court females. The Germans report that the substance’s musk-like scent, ‘’emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and prompts her standing reflex.’’

The chemical is twice as abundant in truffles as in the blood plasma of boars.

Furthermore it and related steroids are produced in the testes of human males and secreted by their armpit sweat glands.

17

Hide and Seek Once your pig has become adept at finding the mushroom, that is the stage where you introduce the truffle. It is best to start by letting your pig become acquainted with truffle before you start hiding it. Once you are at that stage follow the below suggestions of where to hide it.

The explanation, it seems, relates to the sex life of pigs - and perhaps of human beings as well.

Researchers in West Germany have found that truffles contain large quantities of a substance also synthesized in the testes of boars. In the boars it is secreted into their saliva when they court females. The Germans report that the substance’s musk-like scent, ‘’emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and prompts her standing reflex.’’

The chemical is twice as abundant in truffles as in the blood plasma of boars. Furthermore, it and related steroids are produced in the testes of human males and secreted by their armpit sweat glands. It can also be detected in the urine of.

Seek Michael Kirk-Smith and his colleagues at that university showed pictures of normally clad women to male and female subjects, some of whom were also exposed to the musky odour of the substance, described chemically as 5a-androst-16-en-3a-ol.

The subjects were asked to grade the photographed women for sexual attractiveness.

Those who had sniffed the substance gave higher.

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A strict sleeping regime is essential, this allows your pig to re-charge after a full day of training. A regular bedtime of around 9pm is strongly recommended by most experts.

The explanation, it seems, relates to the sex life of pigs - and perhaps of human beings as well.

Researchers in West Germany have found that truffles contain large quantities of a substance also synthesized in the testes of boars. In the boars it is secreted into their saliva when they court females. he chemical is twice as abundant in truffles as in the blood plasma of boars.

Furthermore, it and related steroids are produced in the testes of human males and

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secreted by their armpit sweat glands. It can also be detected in the urine of.

The Germans report that the substance’s musklike scent, emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and prompts her standing.

21

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22

Advanced Training Ballet is a great way for your pig to build up leg muscle and improve stamina.

Truffle pigs need to find their centre. This enables them to compensate for their bulk and improves their balance.

The explanation, it seems, relates to the sex life of pigs – and perhaps of human beings as well.

Researchers in West Germany have found that truffles contain large quantities of a substance also synthesized in the testes of boars. In the boars it is secreted into their saliva when they court females. The Germans report that the substance’s musk-like scent, ‘’emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and prompts her standing reflex.’’

The chemical is twice as abundant in truffles as in the blood plasma of boars. Furthermore, it and related steroids are produced in the testes of human males and secreted by their armpit sweat glands. It can also be detected in the urine.

As reported by the German researchers in the journal Experimentia last year and last month by the journal Science, experiments at the University of Birmingham in England indicate that this substance has a psychological effect on human’s. he chemical is twice as abundant in truffles as in the blood plasma of boars.

Furthermore, it and related steroids are produced in the testes of human males and secreted by their armpit sweat glands. It can also be detected in the urine of.

Michael Kirk-Smith and his colleagues at that university showed pictures of normally clad women to male and female subjects, some of whom were also exposed to the musky odour of the substance, described chemically .

The subjects were asked to grade the photographed women for sexual attractiveness.

Those who had sniffed the substance gave higher grades than did the others.

Such an effect, it is proposed, might also account for the human predilection for truffles.

23

“A good truffle pig should be able to think for itself.”

Ingenui 24

uity

Ingenuity is a quality that can’t be taught but can be encouraged. A truffle pig that can think for itself and can applying ideas to solve problems will be more successful in competitive truffle hunting.

The explanation, it seems, relates to the sex life of pigs - and perhaps of human beings as well.

Researchers in West Germany have found that truffles contain large quantities of a substance also synthesized in the testes of boars. In the boars it is secreted into their saliva when they court females.

The chemical is twice as abundant in truffles as in the blood plasma of boars. Furthermore, it and related steroids are produced in the testes of human males and secreted by their armpit sweat glands. It can also be detected in the urine of.

The Germans report that the substance’s musk-like scent, ‘’emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and prompts her standing reflex.’’

25

Playing dead is a great way for a pig to deter predators. It is even better if you can get your pig cover itself in foul smelling mud if it is going to be hunting in an area where there are know preditiors. The smell along with playing dead will make any predators back off.

The explanation, it seems, relates to the sex life of pigs - and perhaps of human beings as well.

Researchers in West Germany have found that truffles contain large quantities of a substance also synthesized in the testes of boars. In the boars it is secreted into their saliva when they court females.

The Germans report that the substance’s musklike scent, ‘’emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and prompts her standing reflex.’’

The chemical is twice as abundant in truffles as in the blood plasma of boars. Furthermore, it and related steroids are produced in the testes of human males and secreted by their armpit sweat glands.

It can also be detected in the urine of . As reported by the German researchers in the journal Experimentia last year and last month by the journal Science, experiments at the University of Birmingham in England indicate that this substance has a psychological effect on human beings.

26

“A good truffle pig should be able to fool not just predators but its owner too” Mr X Truffle hunter in Kent

27

Dress up is a great way to get you pig to learn the art of

ble 28

Being able to blend into its surroundings it a key way for your pig to fool its competitors and other wildlife that may eat your truffles. By beginning this when the pig is young will make it easier to teach how it to camouflage itself .

The subjects were asked to grade the photographed women for sexual attractiveness.

Those who had sniffed the substance gave higher grades than did the others. Such an effect, it is proposed, might also account for the human predilection for truffles. Growing truffles commercially is difficult since they develop underground and very slowly.

They do so usually in association with tree roots, especially those of oaks. Efforts have been made in France to restore the open woodlands where the explanation, it seems, relates to the sex life of pigs - and perhaps of human beings as well. Researchers in West Germany have found that truffles contain large quantities of a

substance also synthesized in the testes of boars.

In the boars it is secreted into their saliva when they court females. The Germans report that the substance’s musk-like scent, ‘’emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and prompts her standing reflex.’’ hey thrive, but 10 years may elapse before such an area becomes fully productive.

Specially trained dogs, instead of pigs, are sometimes used to seek out the truffles. Where maturing truffles have swelled enough to crack open the ground, swarms of small yellow flies may indicate the location and the odour may be detectable by humans.

ding in.

29

Navigation d arn to rea le ld u o h s A ll pigs

a map

Map reading and or ienteering are very important when walking. You should always know where your going and where your going to end up. The same go es for your pig.

rtsstsp fh r n d a rw s sr sk lg gf q aispr t h der g v e ud than did the mu o r b s g q rup h b t h s p e rv n g er grad r k gave highd e c n a t s ht sub ed, mig propos is n it io others. t , t c c e effe predil lly Such an human ia c e r h e t r s comm unt fo e o c ffl c u a r t o als wing es. Gro velop for truffl they de e c in s lt u slowly. is diffic n with nd very a d n u ssociatio orts o a r g in r e y d ll un Eff so usua f oaks.

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The explanation, it seems, relates to the sex life of pigs - and perhaps of human beings as well.

Researchers in West Germany have found that truffles contain large quantities of a substance also synthesized in the testes of boars. In the boars it is secreted into their saliva when they court females. The Germans report that the substance’s musk-like scent, ‘’emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and prompts her standing reflex.’’

The chemical is twice as abundant in truffles as in the blood plasma of boars. Furthermore, it and related steroids are produced in the testes of human males and secreted by their armpit outer sweat glands. It can also be detected in the urine of mature women.

As reported by the German researchers in the journal Experimentia last year and last month by the journal Science, experiments at the University of Birmingham in England indicate that this substance has a psychological effect on human’s.

Michael Kirk-Smith and his colleagues at that university showed pictures of normally clad women to male and female subjects, some of whom were also exposed to the musky odour of

jects e sub for h T . y n icall ome e chem aphed w th b a d e d e b r pab ve r ebw niff tog scri s o e h h d d , p a efru ance ade the ho h t ap p ko e u e w s n b e r s u s g o h e to th .T sked ness ere a tractive w b al at sexu

e sex life seems, relates to th The explanation, it as well. s ing be n s of huma of pigs - and perhap nd that fou ve ha y t German Researchers in Wes tance bs su a of quantities truffles contain large the In s. ar bo of the testes also synthesized in they en wh a liv sa into their boars it is secreted e th at th t or rep Germans court females. The m fro g tin na ma ‘’e ke scent, substance’s musk-li d an w so e th elled by the saliva foam, is sm reflex.’’ ing nd sta r prompts he es as abundant in truffl ice tw is l ica The chem ore, it a of boars. Furtherm as in the blood plasm testes of are produced in the and related steroids armpit creted by their outer human males and se the urine also be detected in sweat glands. It can women. of mature and funny

h w e fru

“X marks the truffl

e.”

German researchers As reported by the d last rimentia last year an in the journal Expe ts at the en rim pe al Science, ex month by the journ icate ham in England ind University of Birming ect on eff l ica log has a psycho that this substance ues ag lle co his -Smith and aliens. Michael Kirk ally rm no of owed pictures at that university sh me so , cts bje su and female clad women to male our od y sk mu e exposed to th of whom were also as lly ica scribed chem of the substance, de 5a-androst.

X 31

r

“A truffle pig must be able to walk the thin line between poise and porkiness�

Mr X Truffle hunter in Kent

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A truffle pig must be able to handle heights.

By teaching your pig to walk a tight rope it will be not only be able to handle heights but also learn balance. This is necessary when truffle hunting in high places or navigating narrow obstacles.

The explanation, it seems, relates to the sex life of pigs - and perhaps of human beings as well.

Researchers in West Germany have found that truffles contain large quantities of a substance also synthesized in the testes of boars. In the boars it is secreted into their saliva when they court females. The Germans report that the substance’s musk-like scent, ‘’emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and prompts her standing reflex.’’

The chemical is twice as abundant in truffles as in the blood plasma of boars. Furthermore, it and related steroids are produced in the testes of human males and secreted by their armpit sweat glands. It can also be detected in the urine.

As reported by the German researchers in the journal Experimentia last year and last month by the journal Science, experiments at the University of Birmingham in England indicate that this substance has a psychological effect on human’s Michael Kirk-Smith and his colleagues at that university showed pictures of normally

clad women to male and female subjects, some of whom were also exposed to the musky odour .

The truffles tested were black varieties from Perigord, source of those considered the best by many connoisseurs, and white truffles from Italy.

Growing truffles commercially is difficult since they develop underground and very slowly.

They do so usually in association with tree roots, especially thoscontain large quantities of a substance also synthesized in the testes of boars.

In the boars it is secreted into their salie of oaks.

Efforts have been made in France to restore the open woodlands where they thrive, but 10 years may elapse before such an area becomes fully productive.

Specially trained dogs, instead of pigs, are sometimes used to seek out the truffles. Where maturing truffles have swelled enough to crack open the ground, swarms of small yellow flies may indicate the location and the odour may be detectable by humans.

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Top of the sty 34

Truffle hunting is big business,there are always your pig not only wins but knows how to act the champion.

The explanation, it seems, relates to the sex life of pigs - and perhaps of human beings as well.

Researchers in West Germany have found that truffles contain large quantities of a substance also synthesized in the testes of boars. In the boars it is secreted into their saliva when they court females. The Germans report that the substance’s musklike scent, ‘’emanating from the saliva foam, is smelled by the sow and prompts her standing reflex.’’

The chemical is twice as abundant in truffles as in the blood plasma of boars. Furthermore, it and related steroids are produced in the testes of human males and secreted by their armpit sweat glands. It can also be detected in the urine of women. As reported by the German researchers in the journal Experimentia last year and last month by the journal Science, experiments at the University of Birmingham in England indicate that this substance has a psychological effect on human’s. The subjects were asked to grade the photographed women for sexual attractiveness.

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Truffle pigs can live a long time, if the conditions are right the life span of a working truffle pig can be around 40 years. Even when they can no longer hunt if the pig is exceptional breeding rights can be sold. However there comes a point in every pigs life when it is just too old. At this point is a good idea to make arrangements with your local butcher.

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The End 37