Feeding competition and aggression in pigs cause significant welfare harm that can be reduced through appropriate feeder design, space allowance and management.
Feeding competition causes welfare harm through fighting injuries, nutritional deprivation of subordinate pigs unable to access adequate feed, and the ongoing stress of social conflict at mealtimes. The frequency of feeding interactions makes this a continuous welfare issue rather than an occasional problem. Feeder design and space allowance are modifiable welfare factors that deliver measurable improvements. Investment in appropriate feeding infrastructure reduces aggression, improves feed conversion and benefits overall welfare throughout the production cycle.