Farm Animals

Pig Welfare: Outdoor and Extensive Systems

Outdoor pig production offers significant welfare advantages through access to rooting, foraging, and natural behaviour, with specific welfare challenges to manage.

Key Facts

Outdoor-reared pigs show lower rates of tail biting, stereotypy, and aggression than indoor-housed pigs
Welfare challenges specific to outdoor systems include weather extremes, predation, and parasite burden
Pig welfare in outdoor systems is strongly influenced by stocking density and pasture management
Outdoor pig welfare certification standards vary significantly in their requirements and verification

Welfare Considerations

Outdoor pig production, when well managed, provides welfare advantages that indoor systems struggle to replicate. The natural environment satisfies rooting, foraging, and social needs that are chronically frustrated in conventional indoor housing. Good management of outdoor systems is essential to realise welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Choose outdoor-reared pork products from certified producers
Visit farms using outdoor pig systems to understand what they offer for welfare
Advocate for outdoor system welfare standards to reflect the genuine welfare benefits and risks involved