Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Pig Straw Provision Welfare Evidence

Providing straw to pigs is one of the most evidence-supported and cost-effective welfare interventions in commercial pig production.

Key Facts

Pigs provided with straw show 80% lower rates of tail biting than pigs without
Straw satisfies multiple behavioural needs: rooting nest building and thermal comfort
Straw provision costs approximately 50p per pig per year - the lowest cost welfare intervention
Slurry-based systems create difficulties for straw use but shredded straw feeders offer an alternative
EU law requires enrichment material but does not mandate straw specifically

Welfare Considerations

Straw provision addresses simultaneously three of the most important pig welfare needs: rooting and foraging behaviour, nest-building motivation, and thermal comfort. The welfare evidence for straw is more robust than for almost any other single intervention in intensive pig production. The low cost means that economic arguments against provision are difficult to sustain.

What You Can Do

Support retailers and brands that require straw or adequate enrichment for pigs
Advocate for straw bedding requirements in UK pig welfare standards
Choose pork from outdoor or deep-bedded systems where pigs have straw access
Support research into practical straw provision solutions for slurry-based systems
Engage with producers about cost-effective straw provision systems