Pig Enrichment Science 2025: What Works and Why

Key Welfare Facts

Enrichment reduces redirected behaviours including tail biting, ear biting, and excessive aggression between pigs.
Manipulable materials including straw, wood, and hanging objects are most effective when novel and renewing.
Chewable enrichment satisfies rooting motivation; fixed objects alone do not adequately address this need.
Spatial complexity through partitioned pen design reduces social conflict and improves welfare outcomes.
Rotational enrichment programmes maintain engagement better than fixed permanent objects that become habitual.
Enrichment efficacy varies between breeds, ages, and housing conditions, requiring farm-specific assessment.

Welfare Assessment

Pig enrichment provision is one of the most evidence-supported interventions for improving welfare in intensive systems. Supporting certification schemes that require enrichment above legislative minimums drives adoption of practices that genuinely reduce suffering.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products certified to higher enrichment standards than the legal minimum
Support research into enrichment programmes tailored to breed and age-specific needs
Advocate for legislative requirements mandating manipulable enrichment as a minimum standard
Engage with farm assurance schemes to strengthen enrichment requirements