Research into effective enrichment substrates for commercial pigs has expanded significantly, with evidence-based guidance now available to help farmers implement enrichment that genuinely meets pig behavioural needs.
The gap between minimum legal enrichment requirements and genuinely effective enrichment is substantial in commercial pig production. Legal enrichment in the EU (a manipulable material) is frequently satisfied by a hanging chain or plastic toy that pigs investigate briefly and then ignore — providing no meaningful outlet for their strong rooting and foraging motivation. Evidence from research farms and higher-welfare production systems consistently demonstrates that pigs provided with loose, manipulable, ground-level material (straw, compost, vegetables) show dramatically lower tail biting rates, reduced aggression, and higher engagement with positive behaviours. The welfare cost of inadequate enrichment is borne by pigs; the benefit of adequate enrichment is shared by pigs and farmers through reduced injury and veterinary costs.