Welfare Science

Pig Welfare Science Research Priorities

Identifying the highest-priority research questions for pig welfare focuses investment on areas with the greatest potential for welfare improvement.

Key Facts

Top research priorities include effective farrowing crate alternatives and tail biting prevention
Positive welfare indicator validation requires field-applicable assessment methods
Pain recognition tools for routine procedures are underdeveloped relative to their welfare impact
Global south pig welfare capacity building requires context-specific research
Precision livestock technology validation for welfare monitoring is an emerging priority

Welfare Considerations

Research priority-setting for pig welfare ensures limited funding delivers maximum welfare impact. Engaging practitioners, researchers and welfare organisations in priority setting improves research relevance.

What You Can Do

Support welfare research organisations that prioritise high-impact, practice-relevant questions
Engage with consultations on animal welfare research priorities from funders
Share research findings with the farming community to bridge the research-practice gap