Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Environmental Enrichment Research

Research into pig enrichment has identified highly effective materials and designs that could be widely adopted to improve welfare.

Key Facts

Hanging chains engage pigs briefly but are poor substitutes for rooting material
Loose substrates like straw, compost, or peat best satisfy rooting motivation
Novel enrichment reduces exploration value over time, requiring rotation
Enrichment reduces tail biting rates more effectively than tail docking alone

Welfare Considerations

Evidence from enrichment research shows clearly that pigs need substrate enrichment, not just hanging objects. Yet most commercial systems still provide hanging chains or rubber toys that fail to meet rooting needs. The research base exists for transformation; implementation requires welfare requirement changes.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for mandatory substrate enrichment in pig farming
Choose pork from farms providing straw or rooting substrate
Back research into practical, cost-effective enrichment delivery systems
Advocate for enrichment requirements that specify substrate quality