Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Environmental Complexity Research 2026

Research into how environmental complexity affects pig welfare is advancing in 2026, with findings informing enrichment design and certification standards.

Key Facts

Pigs in complex environments show less aggression and stereotypic behaviour than in barren ones
Rotating enrichment objects maintains novelty responses that deliver ongoing welfare benefit
Cognitive enrichment that requires problem-solving delivers higher welfare benefit than simple objects
Commercial farms can provide high-complexity environments with low-cost interventions
Multi-modal enrichment addressing rooting, foraging, chewing, and social needs is most effective

Welfare Considerations

Environmental complexity research is translating into practical welfare improvements on farms. The evidence base for enrichment design is maturing, enabling evidence-based guidance that goes beyond minimum standards to genuine positive welfare provision.

What You Can Do

Support pig welfare research organisations advancing enrichment science
Engage with producers about implementing evidence-based enrichment programmes
Advocate for enrichment standards based on complexity science rather than simple object provision