Pigs have cognitive abilities comparable to dogs and require complex enrichment to prevent boredom-driven welfare problems. Simple enrichment is insufficient.
Pig cognitive capacity is frequently cited but rarely met in commercial production. The regulatory minimum of a single rubber toy is woefully insufficient for an animal with demonstrated problem-solving intelligence. Rotatable novel enrichment, foraging complexity, and rooting substrate provide cognitive as well as physical welfare benefits. Meeting cognitive needs is inseparable from genuine welfare improvement.