Miranda Smit, Martyna Lagoda – At the 2026 PSC Producer Meetings, Miranda Smit and Martyna Lagoda presented data from a trial at a commercial barn and a research barn looking at environmental enrichment for pigs. Enrichment gives pigs opportunities to root, chew and explore, which can reduce stress and unwanted behaviours. This study compared chains with two practical options: durable commercial toys and renewable materials such as rope, cardboard and wood. Enrichment did not affect body weight, but pigs with toys generally had fewer removals and required fewer medication doses than pigs with chains. The renewable materials were less effective, partly because rope and cardboard were destroyed quickly and were not always available. The results suggest that enrichments should be durable, interesting and consistently accessible. Researchers also found that one enrichment for about nine pigs may be more effective than one for 24 pigs. For producers, choosing durable toys and checking them regularly may help support pig welfare and reduce health problems.
Practical enrichments for growing pigs on commercial farms (full article) or watch the presentation here.
