Scientific research on pig enrichment has identified effective interventions that reduce problem behaviours and improve welfare in commercial settings.
Pigs deprived of enrichment develop misdirected exploratory behaviour that leads to tail biting, ear chewing, and flank biting. These behaviours cause significant welfare harm to recipients and indicate frustration in perpetrators. Effective enrichment that provides root substrates and novelty satisfies the exploratory drive that is frustrated in barren environments. The evidence base for effective pig enrichment is strong and the implementation cost is relatively low.