Boars used for breeding or semen collection in artificial insemination programmes have specific welfare needs related to exercise, social contact, and the management of semen collection procedures.
Boar welfare in commercial AI facilities receives less attention than sow welfare despite comparable welfare challenges. Boars housed in individual stalls that prevent turning or social contact develop the same suite of welfare problems as sow-stalled animals: stereotypic behaviour, muscle wastage, and psychological stress. The legal requirement for boars to be able to turn around is a minimal welfare standard that does not address exercise, enrichment, or social needs. Boars are naturally explorative animals with large natural ranges; appropriate welfare provision includes adequate space for movement, enrichment objects, and visual or olfactory access to conspecifics. Semen collection procedures require individual habituation to the dummy sow and handling - poorly trained boars show high stress responses during collection, compromising both semen quality and animal welfare. AI programmes that invest in boar welfare typically achieve better semen quality outcomes, aligning welfare and production incentives.