Outdoor access dramatically improves pig welfare by enabling natural rooting, exploration, and social behavior — but free-range systems have their own welfare challenges.
Outdoor access transforms the welfare experience of pigs by enabling the full expression of their behavioral repertoire — rooting, wallowing, exploring, foraging, and moving freely. The behavioral benefits are clear and well-documented. However, outdoor systems introduce welfare risks that well-managed indoor systems control more easily: sunburn, temperature extremes, parasite burden, and variable disease exposure. These are manageable with appropriate management but require competence and resources. Overall, outdoor and free-range systems represent a substantial welfare improvement over intensive indoor production for pigs with adequate management.