Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Positive Human-Animal Relationship Research

How stockperson behaviour shapes pig welfare, and what the science tells us about positive human-animal relationships.

Key Facts

Pigs habituated to calm, positive human contact show lower fear responses and better welfare indicators
Stockperson attitudes are measurable predictors of farm welfare outcomes in research studies
Fear of humans in pigs is associated with higher stress hormone levels and poorer immune function
Brief daily positive handling sessions significantly reduce pig fear responses within weeks

Welfare Considerations

The stockperson-animal relationship is one of the most powerful determinants of farm animal welfare, yet one of the least regulated. Evidence shows that attitude and behaviour change in stockpersons produces measurable welfare improvements - making human factors central to any serious welfare improvement programme.

What You Can Do

Support stockperson training programmes that focus on positive handling and animal body language
Advocate for human-animal relationship scores to be included in welfare certification assessments
Choose welfare certification schemes that include stockperson competence assessment