Pig Nursery Enrichment: Welfare Evidence in 2026

Providing environmental enrichment to weaned pigs in nursery systems reduces stress, redirected behaviours, and welfare compromise in the critical post-weaning period.

Key Facts

Weaning is one of the most stressful events in a pig's life, combining maternal separation, diet change, and social mixing
Nursery pigs in barren environments redirect exploratory behaviour into ear and tail biting
Straw, hemp rope, and hanging chains are evidence-based enrichment materials for nursery pigs
Enriched nursery pigs show lower cortisol levels, better growth rates, and fewer behavioural disorders

Welfare Considerations

Nursery pigs in barren environments suffer from an inability to express natural exploratory and rooting behaviours, leading to redirected oral activities and escalating aggression. Providing appropriate enrichment materials immediately post-weaning reduces these welfare-negative behaviours. Pen-level enrichment (straw in racks, hanging ropes, rooting balls) is effective and practical. Individual pig-level enrichment, while more labour intensive, provides additional benefits. Regular replacement and rotation of enrichment materials maintains novelty and engagement.

What You Can Do

Ensure all nursery pig pens have species-appropriate enrichment from day one post-weaning
Use straw-based enrichment where possible as the most evidence-based material for pigs
Train staff to identify early signs of pen-level enrichment failure (increased aggression, ear biting)
Advocate for minimum enrichment standards to be enforced in nursery pig production regulations