Decades of research demonstrate that enrichment reduces aggression, stereotypies, and stress in pigs, yet most commercial systems still provide inadequate stimulation.
Pig enrichment science has generated a robust evidence base demonstrating that environmental complexity is not a luxury but a fundamental welfare requirement. The stereotypies, ear and tail biting, and chronic stress seen in barren commercial systems represent measurable welfare deficits with clear solutions. Despite this, enrichment provision remains inadequate in most intensive pig production globally, particularly outside the EU. Effective enrichment must satisfy rooting and foraging motivation, not merely provide novel distraction. Straw or other organic substrates remain the gold standard despite management challenges. Retail and legislative pressure has been more effective than voluntary industry action in driving enrichment improvements.