Livestock

Enrichment Science for Pigs: 2025 Research Update

Updated 2025 review of scientific evidence on enrichment for farmed pigs — what works and what the evidence shows.

Key Facts

Pigs are highly intelligent, inquisitive animals with strong motivations to root, explore and manipulate their environment
The absence of rooting substrate is a primary cause of tail biting and other redirected oral behaviours
EU legislation mandates enrichment for farmed pigs but quality and quantity vary enormously in practice
2025 research confirms that deep substrate (straw, compost) provides the highest welfare benefit for rooting motivation
Point-source enrichment (chains, toys) provides insufficient enrichment for pigs and does not prevent tail biting
Complexity of enrichment is as important as its presence — novel, varied, and manipulable items are more effective
Enrichment choices must account for the farmed pigs entire life history — not just the fattening period
Environmental enrichment that allows expression of natural behaviour also reduces stress and improves immune function

Welfare Significance

The science of pig enrichment has advanced substantially. The 2025 evidence base is clear: point-source enrichment alone is inadequate. Pigs need access to rooting substrates, manipulable materials, and environmental complexity to express normal behaviour and avoid chronic frustration. Regulatory requirements must be updated to reflect what the science actually shows.

What You Can Do

Advocate for mandatory deep substrate provision in pig production regulations
Support higher welfare pig production standards that require meaningful enrichment
Choose pig products from farms that provide deep litter or outdoor access
Fund research into cost-effective high-welfare enrichment systems