Welfare Science

Pig Welfare Research Priorities

Identifying and funding the most impactful pig welfare research accelerates improvements for the billions of pigs in production globally.

Key Facts

Tail biting prevention without tail docking remains an unsolved research challenge
Free-farrowing pen design optimisation continues to reduce piglet mortality
Pain management for routine procedures lacks sufficient evidence base
Positive welfare indicators for pigs remain underdeveloped
Global south pig welfare receives disproportionately little research investment

Welfare Considerations

Strategic investment in pig welfare research that targets unresolved welfare challenges can catalyse improvements affecting billions of animals. Research on tail biting prevention, free-farrowing systems, and pain management addresses the highest-priority welfare gaps in current pig production.

What You Can Do

Support organisations funding strategic pig welfare research
Advocate for government investment in farm animal welfare science
Engage with research consultation processes to prioritise high-impact welfare questions