Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Enrichment for Sows in Group Housing

Enrichment provision for pregnant sows in group housing meets behavioral needs and reduces aggression-related welfare problems.

Key Facts

Sows in group housing show increased rooting, exploratory, and social behavior compared to individual stalls
Enrichment including straw, chains, and rubber mats reduces aggressive interactions during feeding
Space allowance and group stability interact with enrichment to determine welfare outcomes
Sows show preference for rooting materials over suspended objects in choice tests
Enrichment access should be continuous rather than periodic for maximum welfare benefit

Welfare Considerations

Enrichment for group-housed sows actively reduces aggression, meets behavioral motivation, and supports the positive welfare outcomes that group housing is intended to deliver.

What You Can Do

Support pig farms providing continuous enrichment access for group-housed sows
Advocate for enrichment quality standards in sow welfare certification
Choose pork from supply chains that have completed the transition to welfare-positive group housing