Farmed Animals

Enrichment Materials for Pigs

Pigs are highly intelligent animals that need environmental enrichment to express natural behaviours and avoid boredom.

Key Facts

Pigs have cognitive abilities comparable to dogs and young children
Without enrichment, pigs develop harmful stereotypies and tail-biting
Straw, rope, and rooting substrates reduce aggression significantly
The EU mandates manipulable material for all pigs but enforcement varies
Pigs that root and explore show lower cortisol levels and better welfare

Welfare Considerations

Pigs confined in barren environments suffer from frustration, boredom, and social stress. Providing rooting material, hanging ropes, and foraging opportunities allows pigs to express their natural behavioural repertoire and dramatically improves their wellbeing.

What You Can Do

Choose pork certified under welfare schemes that mandate enrichment
Support campaigns for enrichment requirements in all pig housing
Reduce pork consumption or switch to higher-welfare sources
Advocate for stricter enforcement of existing EU enrichment rules