Breeding boars are often overlooked in pig welfare discussions, yet face specific challenges including social isolation, joint disease, and management-related stress.
Boars in commercial systems frequently experience significant welfare compromises - prolonged social isolation is itself a form of chronic stress, and reproductive management creates physical and psychological demands. Joint disease from mounting and concrete flooring causes pain affecting mobility. The relatively small boar population compared to sows means their welfare receives less attention despite their capacity for suffering. Evidence-based improvements including fence-line contact, enrichment, appropriate flooring, and regular health monitoring can substantially improve boar welfare.