Breeding boars play a crucial role in pig production but are often kept in conditions that fail to meet their significant welfare needs for space, social contact and environmental complexity.
Breeding boar welfare is a neglected area in pig farming discourse. Boars kept in individual housing without conspecific contact experience social isolation that causes measurable psychological distress. They are typically large and physically imposing animals that require significantly more space than standard housing provides. The combination of isolation, inadequate space and barren environments produces boars that show stereotypic behaviours and heightened aggression when exposed to social contact. Paired or group housing of compatible boars with adequate space and enrichment is achievable with appropriate management and represents a substantial welfare improvement.