Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Straw Provision and Rooting Welfare

Straw provision satisfies rooting behaviour motivation in pigs and is one of the most evidence-supported enrichment interventions available.

Key Facts

Long straw provides both rooting substrate and bedding comfort for pigs
Chopped straw is less effective than long straw for rooting behaviour stimulation
Straw reduces tail biting incidence significantly compared to barren environments
Cost and management challenges in fully slatted systems create barriers to straw provision
Research shows 500-900g of long straw per pig per day is sufficient to achieve rooting behaviour

Welfare Considerations

Straw is possibly the single most evidence-supported enrichment for pigs, simultaneously meeting rooting behaviour needs and improving resting comfort. Management barriers to straw provision in slatted systems are real but surmountable with appropriate system design.

What You Can Do

Advocate for straw or equivalent long manipulable material as a minimum welfare standard for pigs
Support research into practical straw delivery systems for fully slatted pig housing
Choose pork from farms using straw bedding or demonstrably effective manipulable material provision