Farm Animals

Pig Enrichment and Play Science

Scientific understanding of pig play behaviour reveals its importance as an indicator and component of positive welfare, guiding enrichment design.

Key Facts

Piglet play peaks in the first weeks of life and includes social play fighting and locomotor play
Adult pigs also play when conditions support positive welfare states
Play requires adequate space, appropriate social partners and absence of fear or pain
Manipulable objects, novel substrates and social pairing all increase play frequency
Play behaviour scoring is increasingly included in positive welfare assessment frameworks

Welfare Considerations

Play is both an indicator and a component of positive pig welfare. Designing enrichment and housing that promotes play represents genuine welfare enhancement beyond merely avoiding suffering.

What You Can Do

Support farms that include play behaviour in their positive welfare assessment
Advocate for play-promoting enrichment requirements in welfare certification standards
Choose pork from farms committed to positive welfare indicators including play