Pigs are among the most cognitively complex farmed animals. Understanding their intelligence has direct implications for how we evaluate the welfare of farming systems.
The cognitive sophistication of pigs means that welfare harms in intensive farming systems may be more profound than often recognized. Boredom, frustration, and social stress in animals capable of complex problem-solving and long-term memory constitute serious welfare concerns. Enrichment that meets cognitive needs — rooting, exploration, problem-solving — is qualitatively different from simple physical provision. Recognizing pig intelligence challenges simplistic farming welfare standards and argues for much more complex, stimulating environments.