Rooting is a fundamental pig behavior occupying significant time in wild pigs, yet commercial systems deny pigs suitable substrate for this need.
Rooting is not an optional extra for pigs — it is a central behavioral need occupying a large proportion of their active time in natural environments. Pigs deprived of rooting substrate redirect this behavior toward pen fittings and pen-mates, causing injury and mutual stress. Straw provision is highly effective at meeting this need but is incompatible with slatted floor waste management systems used in most intensive production. The design of housing systems that prioritize waste management over behavioral needs represents a fundamental welfare compromise. Policy requiring effective provision of manipulable material has potential to transform pig welfare at scale.