Research into pig enrichment has identified the most effective materials and designs, enabling evidence-based improvement in commercial pig welfare beyond minimum legal requirements.
The quality of enrichment matters enormously: low-quality objects provided to comply with minimum requirements have minimal welfare benefit. Research consistently shows that rooting substrates are more effective than hanging objects, and that novelty maintains engagement. Commercial feasibility constrains enrichment options, but within these constraints evidence-based selection of enrichment materials significantly improves pig welfare outcomes.