Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Stocking Density and Welfare Impacts

Stocking density in pig housing profoundly affects behaviour, disease, and welfare outcomes across all production stages.

Key Facts

EU minimum space allowances for pigs are based on body weight
Higher density increases tail biting, aggression, and respiratory disease
Lower stocking density allows pigs to perform natural behaviour more freely
Stocking density affects pen atmosphere including ammonia and CO2 levels
Higher welfare standards typically require 20-30% more space per animal than minimum legal requirements

Welfare Considerations

Stocking density is one of the most powerful levers for pig welfare improvement because it affects multiple welfare outcomes simultaneously. Higher space allowances reduce aggression, improve air quality, allow normal behaviour expression, and reduce disease transmission. The welfare case for stocking density reduction is robust, and it represents a welfare change that benefits all pigs in the system.

What You Can Do

Support higher space standards in pig welfare codes of practice
Choose pork certified under schemes with higher space allowances
Advocate for stocking density reduction as a primary welfare improvement