Pigs are highly intelligent animals with complex behavioural needs. Providing appropriate enrichment in commercial systems is one of the most evidence-based ways to improve their welfare at scale.
Pigs in barren commercial systems experience profound behavioural frustration. The absence of rooting substrate alone represents a major welfare deficit — pigs have been observed rooting for hours daily when given the opportunity. Tail-biting cascades from this frustration can cause severe injury and death. Enrichment provision is not an add-on luxury but a fundamental welfare requirement. Research consistently shows that good enrichment is also economically rational: it reduces injury, medication costs, and mortality.