Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Gut Ulcers and Welfare

Gastric ulcers affecting the non-glandular stomach region cause pain and mortality in commercial pig production and are associated with intensive management.

Key Facts

Gastric ulceration affects 30-40% of commercial pigs at slaughter examination
Finely ground feed, high-starch diets, and stress contribute to ulcer development
Pigs with ulcers show reduced feed intake, weight loss, and pale mucous membranes
Coarse ground feed and dietary fiber substantially reduce ulcer prevalence

Welfare Considerations

Gastric ulcers cause chronic abdominal pain in affected pigs, reducing feed intake and growth rate. Severe ulcers cause hemorrhage and sudden death. The high prevalence means ulcer pain is a systemic welfare issue in intensive pig farming, driven by feed formulation and management practices that are modifiable.

What You Can Do

Support pork from farms using coarse-ground feed and high-fiber diets
Advocate for ulcer monitoring requirements in pig welfare assessments
Back research into dietary and management factors that reduce ulcer prevalence
Choose welfare certifications that include gut health outcome monitoring