There are about 5 million pigs in the UK, of which 500,000 (10%) are used for breeding (1). Pigs are reared primarily for bacon, ham, pork and sausages.
Over 70% of pigs in the UK are reared under very intensive conditions, being closely confined indoors for their entire lives (2).
Pigs are highly inquisitive, social, intelligent animals which originally lived in woodlands, foraging for nuts, seeds, roots and grubs. They will not soil their resting area and the myth that pigs are somehow dirty comes from their wallowing in wet mud. As pigs do not sweat, they do this to cool down in hot weather (also protecting them from sunburn) and to rid themselves of pests and irritations.
Pig production and welfare
The most common breeds of pigs used are the British Landrace and Large white. The majority of pigs reared for meat in the UK are crossbreeds. For example, when a Landrace/Large White is bred with either a purebred Landrace or Large White this results in an increased number of stronger faster-growing piglets. Duroc crosses are used extensively in outdoor pig breeding units producing offspring more capable of coping with UK weather conditions in the winter and summer months (3).
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