Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Positive Human-Animal Relationship

Building positive relationships between stockpersons and pigs improves welfare and productivity simultaneously. The science of human-animal relationships guides practical farm management.

Key Facts

Pigs on farms with positive human-animal relationships show less fear and better welfare outcomes
Stockpersons who approach pigs calmly and consistently generate less fearful responses
Fear of humans is measurable and correlates with welfare outcomes across herds
Training programmes improving stockperson attitudes change measurable welfare outcomes
Regular positive interaction including touch and proximity reduces pig flight distance

Welfare Considerations

Positive human-animal relationships are a welfare resource on pig farms. Investment in stockperson attitudes and handling skills creates welfare benefits that compound over time.

What You Can Do

Support stockperson training that includes human-animal relationship components
Advocate for attitude assessment alongside handling skills in farm welfare certification
Learn about the science linking stockmanship to pig welfare outcomes
Choose welfare-certified pork from farms with verified positive stockmanship