Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare Positive Human-Animal Relationship Science

The science of positive human-animal relationships in pig farming reveals how stockperson attitudes and behaviours directly create or undermine pig welfare.

Key Facts

Pigs on farms with positive HAR show 50% lower fear responses than on negative HAR farms
Stockperson empathy scores correlate with pig welfare outcomes across farm types
Positive touch interactions reduce pig cortisol and improve reproductive performance in sows
Training programmes that change stockperson attitudes reliably improve welfare outcomes
Consumer engagement creates demand for welfare standards that require positive HAR assessment

Welfare Considerations

The relationship between stockpeople and pigs is a primary welfare determinant - as important as housing or genetics. Pigs can distinguish individual humans and respond differently based on experience. Positive relationships reduce fear and suffering while improving every measurable welfare outcome.

What You Can Do

Support stockperson welfare attitude training in farm certification requirements
Advocate for HAR assessment as a mandatory welfare certification component
Engage with producers about the evidence linking stockperson attitudes to pig welfare outcomes