Play behaviour in pigs is increasingly recognised as a reliable indicator of positive welfare states, offering farmers a practical measure of herd wellbeing.
Play in pigs is not merely incidental but represents genuine positive affect, occurring when animals feel safe, well-nourished, and socially comfortable. The presence of play behaviour is therefore a positive welfare indicator, while its absence signals stress or deprivation. Farms providing environmental enrichment, adequate space, and stable social groups see higher rates of play. The five domains model of animal welfare explicitly includes positive emotional states, and play behaviour is one of the most accessible indicators of these states on commercial farms. Making play assessment a standard component of welfare audits could drive industry-wide improvements.