Pigs are among the most cognitively sophisticated farm animals, with intelligence comparable to dogs, and their welfare is significantly improved by cognitive enrichment that engages their problem-solving abilities.
Pig cognitive welfare is one of the most compelling cases for enrichment in any farm species. Pigs deprived of rooting, exploration, and social stimulation in barren concrete environments develop chronic boredom expressed as stereotypic behaviours, aggression, and tail-biting. Enrichment materials including straw, hanging chains, and novel objects reduce these indicators, but the quality of enrichment matters - manipulable, destructible materials that engage natural behaviours are far more effective than fixed objects. Research shows pigs in enriched environments show optimistic cognitive bias - evidence of a genuinely better affective state, not just fewer problem behaviours.