The finishing phase of pig production — from approximately 30 kg to slaughter weight — is the longest phase of a pig life and yet receives less welfare attention than earlier stages, despite significant ongoing welfare challenges.
Finishing pigs experience extended periods in conditions that frequently prevent expression of natural behaviours, causing boredom, frustration and chronic stress. Barren concrete floors without rooting substrate are the norm in intensive systems, despite evidence that enrichment dramatically reduces aggression and stereotypic behaviours. The high social density typical of finishing units makes managing aggression difficult, and tail docking is used as a management tool rather than addressing root causes. Many finishing pigs also experience unrecognised pain from respiratory illness and joint conditions. Higher-welfare finishing systems demonstrate that improvements are commercially viable and substantially benefit individual pig welfare.