Outdoor pig production systems offer significant welfare benefits over indoor confinement but require careful management of parasite burden, environmental enrichment, and shelter provision.
Outdoor pig production represents a substantially better welfare system than indoor intensive production for most behavioral welfare indicators. Pigs can root, wallow, explore, and range in ways that are impossible indoors. The expression of these natural behaviors reduces frustration and associated stereotypic and aggressive behaviors. However, outdoor systems are not automatically high welfare: inadequate shelter, poor parasite management, and insufficient space can cause significant welfare problems. Well-managed outdoor production represents a genuine welfare improvement and should be recognized and rewarded by consumers and certification schemes.