Providing pigs with appropriate enrichment materials reduces tail biting, aggression, and stereotypies. Research has identified which materials best meet pig behavioural needs.
Pigs are highly intelligent and motivated to explore and manipulate their environment. Barren housing leads to redirected oral behaviours including tail biting that cause injury and pain. Research comparing enrichment types consistently shows that manipulable, degradable substrates like straw or compost provide the greatest welfare benefit. However, deep litter systems present slurry management challenges in intensive units, requiring farm-level solutions.