Outdoor access for pigs enables expression of natural behaviours including rooting, wallowing and foraging that cannot be satisfied indoors, providing significant welfare benefits.
Outdoor pig systems enable expression of behaviours that are fundamental to pig welfare and cannot be adequately provided indoors. Rooting in soil satisfies a strong innate motivation. Wallowing allows natural thermoregulation in summer. Social stability in outdoor groups is typically better than indoor regrouped systems. The welfare benefits of outdoor systems must be maintained through appropriate management including adequate shade, shelter, stocking density and disease monitoring. Nose ringing, used to prevent pasture damage, restricts natural rooting and represents a welfare compromise within otherwise positive systems.