Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Straw Provision: The Evidence

Straw provision is the most evidence-supported single intervention for reducing tail biting and meeting pig exploratory needs. Its widespread adoption faces practical barriers in some production systems.

Key Facts

Pigs with access to loose straw show significantly lower rates of tail biting
Straw satisfies both rooting and nesting behavioural needs simultaneously
Liquid manure systems are incompatible with deep straw bedding, limiting adoption
Deep litter straw systems improve welfare but increase disease risk if managed poorly
Short-cut straw in racks or bags provides partial rooting benefit in slatted systems

Welfare Considerations

The evidence for straw as a welfare intervention is unequivocal. Industry and policy barriers to adoption require targeted solutions, but the welfare case for universal straw access is robust.

What You Can Do

Support policy reform requiring straw provision or equivalent enrichment for all housed pigs
Choose pork from farms using deep straw or other effective rooting substrates
Advocate for investment in slurry management solutions that enable straw use in all systems