The floor surface in pig housing significantly affects limb health, cleanliness and behavioural expression, with concrete slatted floors causing substantial welfare problems.
Floor design in pig housing affects welfare through both direct physical effects on limb health and indirect effects on behavioural opportunity. Concrete slatted floors that cause chronic foot and leg problems while preventing rooting behaviour represent a welfare deficit on both dimensions simultaneously. The popularity of slatted systems reflects manure management convenience rather than pig welfare needs. Alternative systems including straw-based housing and solid flooring with outdoor access demonstrate that better welfare is achievable with appropriate design investment.