Welfare enrichment for farm animals adds modest costs while providing significant benefits; understanding the economics enables evidence-based advocacy.
The economic case for animal welfare enrichment is stronger than commonly assumed. Many enrichment interventions cost pennies per animal while reducing costly tail-biting injuries, feather-pecking damage, and disease incidence. Enrichment savings through reduced medication costs and improved feed conversion can offset input costs. The modest cost increase for welfare products relative to conventional ones reflects real improvements at tractable prices.