Quality of Life Handbook - The Use of Environmental Enrichment

Keeping pigs mentally and physically stimulated isn't just good for animal welfare — it can improve performance and reduce problem behaviours like tail biting and aggression.

This Prairie Swine Centre handbook reviews enrichment options across every stage of production. Researchers found that matching the right enrichment to the right stage matters. Straw is the top choice across most phases, but specific needs vary. Nesting materials help farrowing sows, rope and burlap suit piglets and nursery pigs, and straw-filled racks work well for growers and gestating sows.

Costs are surprisingly low. A chain with cotton rope runs about $0.65 per pig per year, and burlap pre-farrowing returns $3 for every $1 spent through improved piglet survival.

For producers, the takeaway is straightforward: rotate enrichments regularly, match them to the pig's stage of life, and even small additions like rope or burlap can meaningfully improve welfare and productivity throughout your barn.