Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Pen Design for Play

Pen design that facilitates play behaviour promotes positive welfare states in pigs. Understanding design features that enable play informs welfare-positive pen construction.

Key Facts

Adequate space is a prerequisite for play - overcrowded pens prevent play behaviour
Non-slip flooring reduces injury risk during active locomotor play
Enrichment that facilitates chase and social play promotes positive affect
Young pigs play more frequently than older animals but adult play occurs in good welfare
Play-enabling designs are associated with lower aggression as well as positive welfare indicators

Welfare Considerations

Pen design that enables play creates environments where positive welfare states can emerge, not just negative states are reduced. This design philosophy represents an advance beyond harm prevention.

What You Can Do

Support farms with pen designs that enable pig play behaviour
Advocate for play-enabling design features in pig housing standards
Learn about pen design and its role in facilitating positive pig welfare
Choose welfare-certified pork from farms with enriched, play-enabling environments