Scientific research into positive emotional states in pigs reveals that these intelligent animals experience joy, curiosity and playfulness that welfare management should actively promote.
Pig welfare science has evolved beyond minimizing negative states to actively promoting positive emotional experiences. Research demonstrates that pigs have rich inner lives including the capacity for joy, curiosity, empathy and optimism. Practical welfare management informed by this science focuses on creating conditions where positive emotions are regularly experienced — through play opportunities, exploratory challenges, positive social interactions and rewarding human contact. Measuring positive welfare states using validated behavioral and physiological indicators enables farmers and researchers to move beyond minimum standards toward environments where pigs genuinely flourish.