Group housing for growing pigs provides welfare benefits through social interaction and play, but requires careful management to prevent injury and competition.
Social housing for pigs is not merely preferable but essential for meeting their welfare needs as obligately social animals. Isolated pigs show higher stress hormones, reduced immune function, and impaired cognitive development. The challenge is managing the social disruption that occurs when unfamiliar pigs are mixed, as mixing triggers aggression that peaks in the first 24-48 hours and can cause injury. Strategies including structured socialisation, ample space, and enrichment to redirect aggression reduce mixing stress. Stable group management that avoids repeated regrouping produces the best long-term welfare outcomes.