Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Enrichment Assessment and Welfare

Assessing whether enrichment is actually effective for pigs requires observational methods that measure behavioural engagement rather than just presence of enrichment objects.

Key Facts

Welfare Considerations

Providing enrichment that pigs ignore provides no welfare benefit and may give false assurance to welfare assessors. Active use, positive engagement, and reduced negative behaviours are the measures of enrichment effectiveness. Assessment systems that evaluate enrichment use rather than presence are more meaningful for welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do