Farm Animals

Pig Pen Design Aggression Evidence

Evidence-based pen design for reducing aggression in pigs is well developed. Translating research into practice improves welfare at farm level.

Key Facts

Mixing unfamiliar pigs causes aggression peaking in the first 24-72 hours
Space allowance below 1m2 per 30kg pig significantly increases aggression
Multiple feeding stations reduce competition and aggressive encounters
Visual barriers and escape routes reduce severe aggression
Familiarity through continuous grouping from weaning reduces lifetime aggression

Welfare Considerations

Pen design that reduces aggression prevents the skin wounds, stress, and welfare compromise associated with pig fighting. Evidence clearly shows that space allowance, multiple resource points, and visual barriers all reduce aggression. The translation of this evidence into farm standards and practice is an ongoing welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards specifying evidence-based pen design requirements
Advocate for space allowance, feeder space, and barrier standards in pig regulations
Choose pork from farms demonstrating evidence-based pen design