Research on pig social intelligence reveals capacities for empathy, referential communication, and social learning that have significant implications for how we assess their welfare needs.
Pig social intelligence research paints a picture of animals with genuine social awareness, emotional sensitivity, and cognitive complexity that goes far beyond simple stimulus-response behavior. Emotional contagion in pigs means that the emotional state of a pen-mate matters - a distressed pig affects the wellbeing of those around it. Social learning means that experienced, confident animals can help integrate new members. These social capacities mean that pig welfare is not just about individual physical health but about the quality of the social environment, relationships, and emotional experiences of each individual.