A growing body of enrichment science provides clear evidence for what works in improving farmed pig welfare. Translating this research into farm practice requires both regulatory support and producer education.
Pig enrichment science provides actionable guidance that has not yet been fully translated into practice. The evidence hierarchy is clear: manipulable substrate (straw, compost, hay) delivers the highest welfare benefit by satisfying natural rooting behaviour. Non-manipulable items (chains, rubber pipes) provide some stimulation but do not address the rooting drive. Enrichment rotation prevents habituation. The economic case for enrichment is also strong — reduced tail-biting means lower veterinary costs, reduced mortality from secondary infections, and better feed conversion in pigs that are not chronically stressed. The gap between evidence and practice is a regulatory and educational challenge that animal welfare advocates and farmers can address together.