Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare Measuring Impact

Measuring the impact of pig welfare interventions enables evidence-based resource allocation and demonstrates the effectiveness of advocacy and practice change.

Key Facts

Randomised controlled trials are rarely possible in farm welfare research - quasi-experimental designs are used
Before-after control-impact (BACI) designs measure the effect of specific interventions
Welfare outcome metrics including mortality, lesion scores, and behaviour change are impact measures
Consumer behaviour change studies quantify the welfare impact of labelling and certification
Economic welfare cost-benefit analysis makes welfare arguments accessible to decision-makers

Welfare Considerations

Measuring welfare impact is essential for directing resources toward interventions that genuinely improve conditions for pigs. Evidence of impact builds credibility with producers, retailers, and policymakers - making welfare advocacy more effective over time.

What You Can Do

Support welfare research methodologies that enable rigorous impact measurement
Engage with organisations publishing welfare impact assessments
Advocate for welfare impact reporting as a requirement in farm assurance scheme evaluation