The finishing phase of pig production (from 30 kg to slaughter weight around 110-120 kg) involves specific welfare challenges from increasing stocking density relative to growing body size and the social dynamics of group housing.
Finishing pig welfare is dominated by the geometry of space management: pens designed for 30 kg animals become progressively more crowded as pigs reach 120 kg slaughter weight without pen size increasing. The effective space available per pig at the end of finishing — despite meeting regulatory minimums at stocking density — is substantially less than at the beginning. This progressive space reduction coincides with increasing social complexity as pigs mature, creating conditions where competition for resources and resting areas intensifies. Tail biting risk peaks in the second half of finishing for this reason. Enrichment effectiveness in finishing is well-studied: rooted, destructible materials (straw, hemp rope, compressed peat) that pigs can fully investigate and partially consume provide far greater welfare benefit than the static chains and rubber mats commonly provided. Farms that provide fresh straw or compost in sufficient quantity for all pigs to engage simultaneously show substantially lower tail-biting incidence and better activity budgets. Regular provision of novel materials maintains interest even in facilities without deep litter systems.