Farm Animals

Pig Welfare and Welfare and Open Air Systems

Outdoor and open-air pig farming systems offer welfare benefits through environmental complexity, natural behaviour, and reduced stress.

Key Facts

Outdoor pigs show significantly more natural behaviours including rooting and wallowing
Outdoor systems have lower tail biting rates due to environmental enrichment and space
Outdoor pigs show higher positive welfare indicators including play and exploration
UK outdoor pig production represents approximately 40% of breeding pig housing
Welfare certification for outdoor pigs verifies natural behaviour expression and welfare benefits

Welfare Considerations

Outdoor and open-air systems deliver genuine welfare benefits through natural behaviour expression and environmental complexity. Consumer demand for outdoor-bred pork supports these welfare-positive systems.

What You Can Do

Choose outdoor-bred or free-range pork to support welfare-positive outdoor systems
Advocate for outdoor access requirements in higher welfare certification tiers
Support research comparing welfare outcomes in indoor and outdoor pig systems