European law requires pig enrichment, but implementation quality varies enormously. Research into effective enrichment is informing better standards and industry practice.
Pig enrichment science has advanced significantly, moving from vague requirements to evidence-based specifications. The key finding is that not all enrichments are equal: pigs show strong preferences for organic, manipulable materials that engage rooting behavior, and these materials have the greatest impact on reducing tail biting, aggression, and stereotypic behaviors. Chains and rubber hoses — the most common "enrichments" in commercial systems — are inadequate substitutes for rooting-appropriate substrates. The practical implementation challenge is that deep straw or compost bedding has implications for slurry management, space, and labor in conventional pig housing designs. Creative solutions including enrichment dispensers, wood blocks, and compressed straw pucks have been developed to provide more effective enrichment within existing housing constraints. Legislation that specifies minimum organic material content and rotates enrichment types would significantly improve average welfare outcomes.