Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare Agency and Autonomy

Research into pig agency - their ability to make meaningful choices - is informing welfare science and enrichment design that respects pigs as active agents.

Key Facts

Pigs can learn to operate automated feeders, doors, and enrichment devices
Choice testing reveals preferences that reveal welfare-relevant motivations
Agency and control over environment reduces fear responses and stereotypic behaviour
Social choice (who to affiliate with) is a significant welfare parameter in group housing
Automated preference testing systems enable low-stress welfare assessment

Welfare Considerations

Pigs are not passive recipients of welfare provision but active agents with preferences and motivations. Welfare systems that enable meaningful choice and agency directly improve welfare by respecting and responding to individual pig motivations.

What You Can Do

Support research into pig agency and choice as welfare measurement approaches
Advocate for enrichment and housing standards that enable meaningful pig choice
Engage with producers about management systems that respect individual pig preferences