Pen design significantly affects aggression levels in pig groups, with well-designed pens reducing injuries from fighting and improving overall welfare.
Pen design is a critical but often overlooked determinant of pig welfare in group housing. Aggressive encounters between pigs cause injuries, chronic stress in subordinate animals, and reduced access to resources. Well-designed pens with adequate space, escape options, and resource distribution can dramatically reduce aggression-related welfare problems without changing stocking density.