Finisher pigs held in large groups at high stocking densities experience elevated aggression, tail biting and reduced welfare in conventional systems.
Space-restricted finishing pigs show chronic stress responses, redirected aggression and reduced time lying undisturbed. Tail biting outbreaks in finishing pens can cause severe injury and significant pain. Increasing space allowance, reducing group sizes and providing meaningful enrichment (rooting substrate, manipulable objects) substantially improve welfare outcomes in the finishing phase.