Gastric ulcers are prevalent in commercial pigs and cause significant pain. Nutritional and management approaches can substantially reduce prevalence.
Gastric ulcers in pigs represent a widespread, painful welfare problem that receives insufficient attention. The condition is largely preventable through dietary and management changes: maintaining larger feed particle size (pellets versus finely ground meal), ensuring continuous feed access rather than periods of deprivation, and reducing the stress events that trigger acid-driven ulceration. The welfare case is supported by evidence of pain — pigs with ulcers have reduced feed intake, altered behaviour, and respond to analgesic treatment. The management changes required to reduce ulcer prevalence are feasible and cost-effective when welfare costs are properly accounted for.