Research into effective enrichment for pigs has advanced rapidly, moving beyond token objects to evidence-based interventions that genuinely reduce suffering.
Enrichment that genuinely meets pigs' cognitive and physical needs transforms farm welfare outcomes. Animals with access to deep-litter rooting substrates show dramatically reduced aggression, lower stress hormones and higher play behaviour. The contrast with pigs on bare slatted floors — where tail biting and chronic boredom are endemic — is stark. Progressive producers who invest in quality enrichment report improved growth rates and reduced veterinary costs alongside the primary welfare benefit.