Pig Farming

Pig Positive Affective States and Play Behaviour

Measuring and promoting positive emotions in pigs is an emerging welfare science priority, with play behaviour as a key indicator of good welfare.

Key Facts

Pigs play by gambolling, chasing, and object manipulation in good welfare conditions
Play frequency declines when pigs are stressed or in poor health
Positive anticipation - excitement before feeding - indicates good welfare
Tail wagging in pigs is associated with positive emotional states
Resource provision including straw and objects promotes natural play

Welfare Considerations

Animal welfare science has moved beyond absence of suffering to include promotion of positive states. Pigs experiencing play and positive anticipation have better immune function and growth. Measuring these behaviours helps farms identify and improve welfare proactively.

What You Can Do

Support pig welfare certification schemes measuring positive indicators
Choose pork from enriched-environment farms allowing natural behaviour
Advocate for positive welfare measures in farm assurance standards