Research on environmental enrichment for pigs has moved from demonstrating need to identifying which specific interventions most effectively improve welfare in commercial settings.
Enrichment science for pigs has matured substantially in recent years, moving from the observation that enrichment helps to identifying which interventions best meet species-specific behavioral needs. Pigs require materials that can be rooted, manipulated, and explored — simple hanging chains satisfy this briefly but lack sustained appeal. Loose substrate (straw, compost) or rooting mats that can be actively manipulated satisfy the same behavioral motivation more durably. Commercial implementation is hindered by hygiene, manure management, and cost concerns, but welfare-positive enrichment is achievable within existing housing systems with appropriate design.