Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare Research Priorities 2026

Identifying research priorities in pig welfare enables funders and scientists to focus on knowledge gaps that will deliver the greatest welfare improvements.

Key Facts

Pain recognition and assessment in pigs remains a critical research gap
Positive welfare indicators for pigs require further development and validation
Social bonding and cognitive enrichment research is translating into practice
Pre-slaughter welfare research is influencing regulatory change
Climate change impacts on pig welfare are increasingly important research areas

Welfare Considerations

Research investment in pig welfare delivers welfare improvements when priorities are correctly identified and findings translated into practice. Funders, researchers, and welfare advocates working together to identify and address critical knowledge gaps accelerate welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Support research funding organisations working on pig welfare science
Engage with academic pig welfare conferences and research dissemination
Advocate for welfare research requirements in government agricultural research funding