Livestock

Straw as Enrichment for Pigs: Welfare Evidence

Straw provision satisfies pigs' strong rooting and foraging motivations, reduces tail-biting and stereotypic behaviour, and improves welfare across all housing systems where it is practically achievable.

Key Facts

Pigs spend 40-60% of their day foraging in natural conditions
Straw satisfies rooting motivation through manipulable, destructible substrate
Loose straw significantly reduces tail-biting incidence compared to non-enriched systems
Practical barriers to straw include slatted floor systems where straw blocks slurry channels

Welfare Considerations

Straw enrichment addresses the fundamental welfare need of pigs to root and forage. The regulatory minimum of providing 'manipulable material' is frequently met with inadequate alternatives such as chains or small amounts of sawdust that do not satisfy rooting motivation. Straw consistently outperforms alternatives in reducing tail-biting and improving activity patterns.

What You Can Do

Support farm assurance schemes requiring meaningful enrichment including straw or rooting substrates
Choose pork from higher welfare certified producers using straw-based or alternative deep-litter systems
Advocate for the welfare case for straw provision to be integrated into farm support and advice systems
Support research into practical straw provision solutions compatible with slatted floor systems