Positive reinforcement training improves pig welfare by enabling voluntary cooperation with husbandry procedures and providing cognitive enrichment.
Positive reinforcement training for pigs transforms the human-animal relationship from one of coercion to one of cooperation. Pigs trained to accept handling procedures voluntarily show dramatically reduced stress responses during veterinary care, weighing, and routine management. This benefits both pig welfare and handler safety, as stressed pigs are more likely to injure stockpeople. The cognitive engagement of training sessions provides enrichment that reduces stereotypic behaviour and aggression. Implementing training at farm scale requires cultural shift and stockperson education, but welfare-progressive farms demonstrate it is compatible with commercial production. Consumer demand for high-welfare pork can incentivise investment in positive stockperson-animal relationships.