Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Flooring Welfare and Hoof Health

Flooring quality significantly affects pig welfare through its impacts on hoof health, comfort and injury risk.

Key Facts

Fully slatted concrete floors cause hoof overgrowth, leg injuries and discomfort in pigs
Roughness, slipperiness and wetness all affect flooring welfare outcomes
Partially slatted or rubber-coated floors significantly reduce hoof problems compared to concrete
Bedded systems provide the best welfare flooring outcomes but require more management
Hoof scoring can identify flooring welfare problems on individual farms

Welfare Considerations

Flooring is a fundamental determinant of pig welfare that is frequently inadequate in commercial systems. The welfare case for improved flooring including partial bedding, rubber mats and reduced slat coverage is well evidenced and practical.

What You Can Do

Advocate for flooring welfare standards in pig certification schemes requiring documented hoof health outcomes
Support farms transitioning to improved flooring materials including rubber-coated surfaces
Choose pork products from farms using partially bedded or deep litter housing systems