Farm Animals

Pig Stereotypy Prevention in Sows

Repetitive stereotypic behaviours in sows indicate poor welfare and frustrated natural behaviours, preventable through enrichment and housing improvements.

Key Facts

Bar-biting and rooting stereotypies develop in sows housed in barren, restrictive conditions
Stereotypies are learned responses to chronic stress and cannot be fully reversed once established
Prevention requires enrichment, space and social housing from the gilt rearing stage
Straw provision significantly reduces stereotypy development in gestating sows
Pigs with stereotypies have altered dopamine signalling, indicating chronic compromised welfare

Welfare Considerations

Stereotypy prevention is more effective than treatment. Early enrichment and appropriate housing conditions during gilt development reduce stereotypy rates across the productive life.

What You Can Do

Support farms using enrichment and group housing that prevent stereotypy development
Advocate for enrichment requirements in minimum pig welfare standards
Choose pork certified under welfare schemes that go beyond EU minimum housing requirements