Providing appropriate rooting substrate is one of the highest-impact and most evidence-based welfare improvements available for indoor-housed pigs.
Rooting is so fundamental to pig welfare that its provision is not optional — it is a welfare requirement. The scientific evidence on effective versus ineffective enrichment is clear: whole straw that pigs can manipulate, pull, and nest in is far more effective than hanging chains or rubber toys. Farms that provide genuine, adequate rooting substrate have lower tail biting, less aggression, and better welfare outcomes across multiple indicators. The barrier is often practical — some housing designs cannot accommodate deep litter — but investment in substrate provision is one of the most reliable welfare improvements available.