Most research on the different forms of enrichment are done on piglets and growing pigs. In these pigs, some benefits include reduced aggression and fear, fewer behavioural vices and improved growth. Older animals such as sows differ and generally prefer manipulable and destructible enrichments compared to simple objects. The Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs includes a requirment that multiple forms of enrichment should be available to improve the welfare of the animals. Straw is an optimal object for pigs though it is reluctantly used due to biosecurity risks. Types of enrichment and social status of the sows are being studied.
Assessing Enrichment for Sows (full article)
