More than food and shelter

Pigs are social, curious animals. They investigate their surroundings by sniffing, rooting, chewing, and searching for food. These behaviors are not simply responses to hunger: scientific reviews describe exploration and foraging as strongly motivated activities even when pigs receive adequate feed. Social contact and opportunities to interact with other pigs also matter to their welfare. [1]

This means that evaluating a pig’s living conditions requires more than checking whether it has food, water, and a roof. A useful welfare assessment also asks whether the animal can move comfortably, rest, interact with others, and engage in natural exploratory behavior. [1][2]

Why housing and enrichment matter

Housing systems differ in how much space and stimulation they provide. Enrichment can include suitable materials for rooting, chewing, and investigating the environment. The World Organisation for Animal Health recommends access to materials that support these activities and attention to positive social and human contact. [2]

Research reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority links restricted space and insufficient enrichment with problems such as tail biting and limited opportunities for exploration. EFSA also identifies changes in housing, management, and enrichment as ways to reduce important welfare risks. [1][3]

How to evaluate welfare claims

Not every farm uses the same practices, and conditions can vary within a single production system. Readers should look for the source and date of a claim, the type of farm or housing studied, and whether findings are based on animal observations, scientific literature, or an organization’s advocacy position.

The sources below provide a starting point. EFSA’s assessment concerns European production systems, and WOAH publishes international standards; neither source should be mistaken for a statement of current U.S. or Missouri legal requirements. Applicable laws and proposed changes belong in PPA’s separate legislation tracker.

References

  1. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Panel on Animal Health and Welfare. 'Welfare of pigs on farm.' EFSA Journal, 2022, 20(8):7421. Source (accessed November 12, 2026)
  2. World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Chapter 7.13, 'Animal welfare and pig production systems,' Article 7.13.10. Source (accessed November 12, 2026)
  3. European Food Safety Authority. 'Welfare of pigs on farm' (public summary), February 21, 2023. Source (accessed November 12, 2026)