Pig Farming

Pig Welfare Science Progress and 2027 Outlook

Pig welfare science has advanced significantly in recent years, with new tools and approaches enabling measurement and improvement at scale.

Key Facts

The Welfare Quality protocol provides a validated on-farm welfare assessment tool
Positive welfare indicators including play frequency are now included in some assurance schemes
AI-powered pen cameras can monitor tail biting and other welfare indicators continuously
Consumer pressure for higher welfare pork is growing across European markets
EU farm to fork strategy includes commitments to improve farm animal welfare legislation

Welfare Considerations

Pig welfare science has matured from primarily describing problems to developing and validating solutions. The integration of positive welfare indicators, real-time monitoring technology, and consumer-driven market signals creates conditions for sustained welfare improvement. The challenge is translating research advances into widespread adoption across diverse production systems globally.

What You Can Do

Follow and share pig welfare research organisations to amplify important findings
Support higher-welfare pork certification schemes with your purchasing choices
Advocate for EU farm animal welfare legislation reform as a policy priority