Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Litter Quality Welfare

Litter quality in pig housing affects foot health, hygiene, and overall welfare. Managing litter maintains welfare across housed production systems.

Key Facts

Wet, compacted litter increases foot and leg problems in growing pigs
Straw-based systems require regular bedding replacement to maintain quality
Slotted floor systems avoid litter management but restrict behavioral expression
Litter material affects enrichment opportunity alongside hygiene
Regular litter quality assessment guides management interventions

Welfare Considerations

Pigs on wet, contaminated litter suffer foot problems, skin irritation, and increased disease pressure. Litter quality is both a welfare indicator and a management target - maintaining dry, clean bedding protects foot health, reduces disease transmission, and provides a comfortable lying environment. The investment in litter management pays welfare returns across the housed period.

What You Can Do

Implement regular litter quality assessment in straw-based pig housing
Maintain adequate bedding depth and replace wet areas promptly
Consider litter quality alongside enrichment provision in welfare audits
Support research into optimal bedding management for different pig housing systems