Farm Animals

Pig Welfare: Straw Provision and Positive Welfare

Straw provision for pigs is a transformative welfare intervention that satisfies rooting motivation, reduces stereotypy, and enables positive welfare states.

Key Facts

Pigs given straw spend up to 70% more time in positive welfare behaviours than pigs on bare concrete
Even small amounts of straw significantly reduce tail biting incidence and stereotypic behaviour
Straw provision is challenging in slatted floor systems due to slurry management requirements
Modified slatted systems with straw-based rooting areas offer a compromise solution for welfare and management

Welfare Considerations

Straw provision is one of the most evidence-supported welfare improvements available to pig farmers. Its effects on behaviour and welfare are dramatic and consistent across research settings. The management challenges it creates for slatted floor systems are real but are being overcome through design innovation.

What You Can Do

Support pork producers committed to straw or equivalent enrichment provision
Advocate for meaningful enrichment requirements - including substrate materials - in pig welfare regulations
Engage with research on modified housing designs that accommodate straw provision in slatted systems