Research into pig positive welfare has identified specific behavioral indicators that show pigs are thriving, not merely not suffering.
Moving beyond suffering prevention to positive welfare assessment requires identifying what thriving looks like in pigs. Play, curiosity, social bonding, and exploratory behavior are positive indicators validated through research. Farms can be assessed on the presence of these behaviors, not just the absence of harm. This approach requires more nuanced assessment but reflects the full dimensionality of pig welfare.