Rooting is a fundamental behaviour for pigs that is severely restricted on bare concrete floors. Providing appropriate rooting materials is one of the most effective welfare improvements in pig farming.
The welfare case for rooting material provision is among the strongest in farm animal science. Pigs deprived of rooting opportunities show persistent oral manipulation of pen-mates, fixtures, and flooring — a clear indicator of unsatisfied motivation. This redirected behaviour escalates to tail biting, a serious welfare and production problem. Material quality matters: substrate that can be rooted, ingested in small quantities, and manipulated provides more lasting engagement than inert hanging objects. Straw also provides thermal comfort, especially for weaned piglets. Industry resistance to straw is largely based on slurry management concerns, but systems exist that accommodate both. Welfare improvement here is practically achievable and strongly evidence-based.