Pig Enrichment Substrate Science

What research tells us about the most effective substrates for meeting pig rooting and foraging needs in intensive production systems.

Key Facts

Rooting and foraging are highly motivated behaviors in pigs, occupying up to 50% of active time in naturalistic settings
Pigs without rooting opportunities develop redirected behaviors including tail biting
Research shows loose manipulable materials like straw, compost, and hay best satisfy rooting motivation
Suspended enrichment objects provide some benefit but do not fully substitute for floor-level rooting material
Straw provision in slatted-floor systems is technically challenging but feasible with appropriate system design

Welfare Considerations

Substrate enrichment for pigs is one of the best-evidenced welfare interventions available to the industry. Research consistently shows that pigs provided with deep straw bedding or other manipulable rooting materials show dramatically reduced tail biting, lower stress indicators, and more natural behavioral repertoires. Despite this evidence, implementation in intensive slatted systems remains limited due to slurry management challenges. Innovative system designs are beginning to overcome these practical barriers.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from farms certified to provide straw or other rooting materials
Support legislative mandates for meaningful enrichment in pig housing
Engage with producers about the evidence base for substrate enrichment
Support research into practical solutions for straw provision in slatted systems