Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Genetic Diversity

Intensive selection in commercial pig genetics has reduced genetic diversity and may be creating welfare vulnerabilities. Maintaining diversity protects long-term welfare and resilience.

Key Facts

Commercial pig production relies on a small number of elite genetic lines
Narrow genetic diversity increases susceptibility to disease and environmental stress
Heritage and rare breed pigs often have better natural behaviour and hardiness
Rare breed preservation is important for genetic resilience and future adaptation
Welfare traits including disease resistance are increasingly being incorporated into selection indices

Welfare Considerations

Genetic diversity maintenance is an important long-term welfare consideration. Selection pressure focused purely on production traits has created welfare vulnerabilities that are emerging as significant concerns.

What You Can Do

Support heritage and rare breed pork production when available
Advocate for inclusion of welfare traits in commercial pig breeding programmes
Learn about the role of genetic diversity in farm animal welfare
Support rare breed preservation societies working with heritage pig breeds