Farm animals have greater cognitive complexity than they are typically given credit for. Cognitive enrichment that engages their problem-solving abilities improves welfare outcomes.
Farm animals demonstrate substantial cognitive capabilities that are rarely acknowledged in commercial production systems. Pigs are curious problem-solvers who benefit from foraging challenges and environmental novelty. Cattle remember and form preferences among people based on past interactions. Hens show rudimentary planning behaviour. Cognitive enrichment programmes that provide problem-solving challenges — foraging for hidden food, manipulable objects, and novel environments — improve affective states and reduce signs of stress. Integrating cognitive enrichment into farm animal welfare standards is increasingly supported by research evidence and represents an important frontier in practical welfare improvement.