Research into pig housing systems has generated substantial evidence on what designs, space allowances, and enrichment provisions best meet pig welfare needs in commercial settings.
The pig housing science literature provides clear guidance on welfare-positive design principles that are not yet reflected in minimum regulatory standards in most countries. Straw-based systems consistently produce better welfare outcomes than bare concrete on virtually all measured indicators, yet straw remains a minority provision in intensive pig farming due to management costs. Space allowances below welfare research recommendations are legal in most jurisdictions. The translation of research evidence into practice requires regulatory updating, market signals, and technical support for producers. The scientific consensus is not that intensive pig farming cannot be improved but that improvements require investment decisions that current market structures do not adequately incentivise. Consumer purchasing decisions and regulatory frameworks are the two primary levers for closing the gap between research knowledge and farm practice.