Farm Animals

Welfare of Pigs in Positive Welfare Environments

Research on positive pig welfare shows what thriving looks like — active play, exploration, comfort, and positive social interaction — providing a benchmark for welfare improvement.

Key Facts

Pigs show play behavior including running, jumping, and social play when given space
Positive welfare indicators include exploration, social grooming, and comfortable resting
Enriched environments with rooting material dramatically increase positive welfare indicators
Pigs in positive welfare conditions show lower cortisol and better immune function
The Five Domains model now explicitly includes positive welfare states not just absence of suffering

Welfare Considerations

Positive pig welfare research is transforming farm animal welfare standards by defining what thriving looks like rather than just minimizing suffering. Enriched environments with space, rooting material, and social freedom produce measurably happier pigs.

What You Can Do

Support farms certified to standards measuring positive welfare indicators
Advocate for positive welfare criteria inclusion in all farm animal welfare certification
Donate to research expanding positive welfare indicator development for farm animals
Choose pork from farms where pigs are observed engaging in positive behaviors