Boars require specific housing that meets their social, physical, and behavioural needs, but are often kept in conditions that compromise welfare.
Boar welfare is frequently overlooked in pig production systems despite significant welfare needs. Solitary confinement without enrichment causes frustration stereotypies such as bar-biting. Inadequate space and poor floor surfaces cause joint injuries in these heavy animals. Providing rooting substrate, adequate space, and where possible limited social contact through shared fence lines improves welfare substantially with manageable management costs.