Reasons to sterilize a pet pig are very similar to reasons in cats and dogs (increased risk of neoplasia and unwanted behaviors). However, it should be noted that the estrous cycle is much shorter in pigs than in dogs, they go into heat every 3 weeks. Additionally, adult boars not only produce a foul odor but can become aggressive. Lastly, if a boar has an inguinal hernia, he should be castrated as this is a heritable defect.