Welfare Science

Pig Welfare Research Priorities 2026

Setting research priorities for pig welfare science ensures limited funding addresses the questions with greatest potential impact.

Key Facts

Tail biting root causes and prevention remain priority research areas given the scale of the problem
Pain assessment and management tools need validation for routine farm use
Positive welfare indicators require further development and validation in commercial contexts
Farrowing crate alternatives need continued welfare and productivity assessment
Global south pig welfare research is severely underfunded relative to the scale of need

Welfare Considerations

Research investment in pig welfare science must be strategically directed to address the largest welfare problems and the most promising interventions. Coordinated priority setting prevents duplication and ensures resources flow to highest-impact questions.

What You Can Do

Support organizations funding strategic pig welfare research
Advocate for research priority-setting processes that include welfare scientists
Donate to university research groups working on high-priority pig welfare questions