The flooring pigs live on has profound welfare implications for lameness, foot health, and cleanliness.
Pig flooring is a fundamental welfare determinant that affects lameness, skin abrasions, joint health, and behavioral expression. Slatted concrete allows waste removal but causes injuries through abrasion and slipping. Deep straw provides welfare benefits across multiple dimensions simultaneously — cushioning, thermal insulation, and rooting substrate. The cost difference has prioritized efficiency over welfare in most commercial systems.