Why working with porcine circulating serum amyloid A is a pig of a job

► The conformation of pig circulating SAA was described. ► The unfruitful attempts of purifying porcine SAA were detailed. ► An in silico analysis of pig SAA structure and properties was performed. ► Pig systemic acute phase SAA showed the structural properties of locally produced SAA. ► Pig circulating SAA showed a complex conformation and peculiar biochemical properties.