Pigs are highly intelligent and emotionally complex animals capable of positive emotional states including joy, curiosity, and play, which can be promoted through better farming environments.
Industrial pig farming systems that restrict movement, provide barren environments, and maintain high social density suppress positive emotional states and prevent natural play and exploration behaviors. Pigs deprived of enrichment redirect behavioral needs into harmful stereotypies and tail biting. Providing straw bedding, rooting opportunities, and stable social groups generates measurable positive welfare outcomes and can be adopted without eliminating commercial viability.