Farm Animals

Pig Welfare: Rearing Boars for Natural Service

Natural service boars require specific welfare management to ensure good health, appropriate behaviour, and welfare during their productive lives.

Key Facts

Boars used for natural service require appropriate socialisation to develop normal mating behaviour
Lameness is the primary welfare and economic reason for boar removal from service
Boar housing should allow natural movement and comfortable resting, with adequate space requirements
Social isolation of boars used for semen collection causes welfare problems including stereotypy

Welfare Considerations

Working boars face welfare challenges related to their housing, handling, and sometimes social isolation. Good welfare for service boars requires attention to housing quality, appropriate social interaction, lameness prevention, and humane handling during semen collection or service.

What You Can Do

Support pork producers demonstrating good working boar welfare management
Advocate for boar welfare to be included in pig welfare certification standards
Engage with research on boar housing and management approaches that optimise welfare