Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Pen Flooring and Hoof Health

The type of flooring in pig housing directly affects hoof health, comfort, and mobility across all life stages.

Key Facts

Concrete slatted floors are the most common but cause highest rates of hoof lesions
Rubber mats reduce hoof wear and improve comfort for pigs
Fully slatted floors increase hoof overgrowth and cracking in sows
Proper floor design reduces lameness and improves welfare scores
Straw-bedded systems show lower prevalence of hoof pathology

Welfare Considerations

Hoof health is closely tied to overall welfare - lame pigs experience pain, reduced feeding, and social disadvantage. Flooring choice has lasting consequences throughout a pig's productive life.

What You Can Do

Support farms using rubber matting or straw-bedded systems
Ask retailers about flooring standards in their pig supply chains
Advocate for higher flooring welfare standards in legislation