Housing design that proactively supports positive welfare states, not just absence of harm, represents the highest standard in pig production facility design.
The design of pig housing is traditionally focused on operational efficiency and minimum welfare standards. Housing designed to proactively create positive welfare - through choice, complexity, social agency, and enrichment integration - represents a paradigm shift. Pigs in well-designed positive welfare housing show higher play rates, lower cortisol, and better immune function. Design investment pays welfare dividends throughout the production cycle.