Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Pen Design for Play

Play is an important positive welfare indicator in pigs, and pen design that enables play behaviour indicates higher welfare environments.

Key Facts

Play in pigs includes social play, object play, and locomotor play such as running
Play frequency is highest in young pigs and declines in crowded environments
Adequate space and enrichment significantly increase play behaviour
Play is considered a reliable positive welfare indicator in pig welfare assessment
Pigs deprived of play opportunities show higher rates of aggression and stereotypy

Welfare Considerations

Play behaviour in pigs signals that their welfare needs are being met. Pens designed to enable running, social interaction, and object exploration produce pigs that play more and show fewer negative welfare indicators. Design features including play objects, space, and enrichment should be evaluated specifically for their impact on play frequency.

What You Can Do

Support pig welfare assessment that includes positive indicators like play
Advocate for play-enabling pen design in welfare certification
Choose pork from farms demonstrating positive welfare through play monitoring