Lameness in pigs is a significant welfare problem that varies by housing system and management.
Lame pigs experience pain that reduces their quality of life and their ability to compete for resources. In group housing, lame pigs are disadvantaged at feeding and watering stations, leading to hunger and thirst in addition to the primary pain. Floor design is one of the most modifiable risk factors — rubber flooring dramatically reduces lameness rates compared to bare concrete. Investment in better flooring has high welfare returns.