The physical design of pig housing has profound effects on animal welfare, influencing behavior expression, stress levels, and health outcomes.
Pen design is a primary determinant of pig welfare in commercial farming. Barren, concrete environments create chronic frustration and stress that manifest as redirected behaviors including tail biting, aggression, and stereotypies. Pigs in enriched or outdoor environments show higher activity levels, more exploratory behavior, lower cortisol levels, and fewer injuries. The economic argument against better housing overlooks the significant productivity losses from stress-related illness and injury in barren systems.