Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Artificial Lighting Welfare

Lighting programmes in pig housing affect welfare through influence on behaviour, activity levels, and production, with natural light access being increasingly recognised as important.

Key Facts

Pigs in continuous artificial light show disrupted circadian rhythms affecting welfare
Access to natural light or at least variation in light intensity improves pig welfare
Minimum illuminance requirements exist but are rarely monitored for compliance
Red light has been used to reduce aggression during regrouping with limited evidence
Natural light access is required in some welfare certification schemes

Welfare Considerations

Lighting conditions profoundly affect pig behaviour, rest patterns, and psychological wellbeing. Access to natural light or a light cycle mimicking natural patterns supports appropriate circadian biology that is fundamental to normal physiological functioning.

What You Can Do

Advocate for natural light access requirements in pig welfare standards
Support research into optimal lighting programmes for pig health and welfare
Choose pork from farms demonstrating appropriate lighting management