Advanced cognitive enrichment for pigs addresses their high intelligence and need for mental stimulation through problem-solving tasks and novel challenges.
Pigs' intelligence means that physical enrichment alone is insufficient for welfare - they also need cognitive challenge. Problem-solving tasks that engage pig intelligence reduce boredom and improve welfare more effectively than passive enrichment. The commercial challenge is providing cognitive enrichment efficiently at scale. Training sessions with stockpeople, rotating puzzle feeders, and novel object programmes can provide cognitive stimulation within commercial constraints.