Effective enrichment during the growing and finishing phase of pig production requires understanding pig motivation and providing genuine stimulation.
Implementing genuinely effective enrichment in pig finishing units requires moving beyond minimum compliance. Research consistently shows that pigs given access to organic substrate enrichment — straw, compost, or wood — show significantly lower rates of tail biting and aggression than those given only objects. Practical challenges include bedding management, disease risk, and ventilation requirements, but these are solvable with appropriate system design. Rotating enrichment types — changing daily or weekly — prevents habituation. Producers who invest in effective enrichment report improved flock health, reduced veterinary costs, and better production outcomes alongside welfare improvements.