As someone who has worked closely with livestock for decades, I’ve seen firsthand how simple, thoughtful interventions can make a big difference in animal welfare and productivity. Environmental enrichment is one of those tools that, when applied effectively, not only improves the quality of life for pigs but also yields benefits for producers.
Why Enrichment Matters
Producers have long understood that giving pigs toys or other forms of stimulation can prevent boredom and reduce problematic behaviors like tail biting or aggression when animals are mixed. But enrichment goes beyond managing behavior—it creates calmer, less excitable pigs, which is critical for good handling and ultimately, better meat quality.
Take, for example, something as simple as playing a radio in the barn. Pigs raised with background noise are less likely to startle at sudden sounds, such as a door slamming. Reducing stress and excitement helps ensure higher-quality meat by minimizing the risks associated with high-speed slaughter lines.
What Pigs Prefer
When it comes to enrichment, not all toys are created equal. In our research at the University of Illinois, my colleagues and I found that pigs have clear preferences. They enjoy soft, pliable objects—like cloth strips and rubber hoses—over hard chains. These types of toys allow them to perform natural behaviors, such as chewing, shaking, and tugging, without discomfort.
Interestingly, when given a choice, pigs gravitate toward the softer toys. A cloth strip might be their initial favorite, but over time, a rubber hose tends to win out. The key takeaway? Pigs are more engaged and active when they have access to these kinds of toys.
Calming Pigs Through Interaction
Enrichment isn’t limited to toys. Interaction with people can also have a profound effect on pig behavior. In our experiments, we explored various approaches:
- Gentle mingling: Petting pigs that approach you.
- Assertive mingling: Engaging with every pig, even those that try to avoid contact.
- Driving: Walking pigs through an aisle weekly.
We found that combining treatments—like mingling and toys—produced the calmest pigs. Pigs that were calmer were easier to handle and less likely to panic during transport or slaughter.
Welfare, Handling, and Meat Quality
Animal welfare isn’t just about doing what’s right for the pigs—it’s also about improving outcomes for producers. Calmer pigs are easier to handle, which reduces the risk of injury for both animals and handlers. And from a meat quality perspective, reducing stress is crucial. Hot, stressed pigs are more likely to produce poor-quality meat, such as PSE (pale, soft, exudative) or DFD (dark, firm, dry) meat.
Gentle handling at every stage—on the farm, during transport, and at the slaughter plant—makes a big difference. I’ve seen it time and time again: calm animals mean better results.
A Lasting Lesson
What I learned in 1988 about environmental enrichment remains just as relevant today. Pigs need stimulation, whether it’s through toys, human interaction, or something as simple as the sound of a radio. These interventions improve welfare, reduce stress, and can even enhance productivity.
Producers today have more tools and knowledge than ever to make meaningful improvements in their operations. But the core principle hasn’t changed: calmer pigs are better pigs—better for welfare, better for handling, and better for business.
Temple Grandin is a world-renowned expert in livestock handling and welfare, with decades of experience improving animal production systems. For more on her work, visit Grandin Livestock Systems.
