Stereotypic behaviors in pigs are measurable, welfare-significant indicators of housing inadequacy that should drive management change.
Stereotypic behaviors in pigs are both a welfare indicator and a welfare harm in themselves. Their development indicates that animals have experienced environmental conditions that frustrated strongly motivated behaviors - typically rooting, exploration, and appropriate social interaction. The persistence of stereotypies after housing improvement is a sobering demonstration that early welfare compromise creates lasting behavioral consequences, even when physical conditions subsequently improve. Monitoring stereotypy prevalence on farm provides an objective, animal-level welfare indicator that reflects housing and management quality. Farms with high stereotypy rates have demonstrably worse welfare histories and typically require systemic management changes, not just minor enrichment additions.