Farm Animals

Pig Finishing Stocking Density Welfare

Stocking density in pig finishing units is one of the most significant determinants of welfare, affecting behavior, health, and injury rates.

Key Facts

EU minimum space allowance is 0.65 square meters per pig at 100 kg body weight
Many welfare scientists argue 1.0 square meter is the minimum for good welfare at finishing weight
Higher stocking density increases tail biting, aggression, and respiratory disease prevalence
Lower stocking density improves growth rate and reduces veterinary costs
Consumer-facing higher welfare standards typically require 50 to 100 percent more space than legal minimums

Welfare Considerations

Pigs at legal minimum stocking densities experience chronic space restriction that limits normal behavior and increases competition, injury, and disease. Even modest increases in space allowance produce measurable welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Choose pork certified by higher welfare schemes that require minimum 1.0 square meters per pig
Advocate for increased minimum space allowances in EU and national pig welfare legislation
Support farms that demonstrate actual compliance with space requirements through welfare audits