Animal Boredom
Identifying symptoms and consequences of boredom-like states in domestic pigs
Boredom is mainly caused by low-stimulus, monotonous conditions that are common in the keeping of many animals, whether in zoos, laboratories or on farms. Only a few scientific studies suggest that animals experience boredom-like states, but what this means for them is largely unknown.
This project, led by Dr Sara Hintze from the University of Natural Resources and Life Science, aimed to understand the symptoms and effects of boredom in pigs.
Why research pigs?
Because most pigs today are reared in conditions of low stimulus and low variation.
Domestic pigs have a rich behavioural repertoire comparable to that of wild pigs. Under natural conditions, domestic pigs, like their ancestors, also spend a high proportion of their time foraging, feeding and resting, which is not possible in most current pig housing systems.
To assess the emotional impact of the housing conditions, a series of non-invasive behavioural tests was carried out on the animals to determine whether:
- Those in low-stimulus, monotonous housing are more motivated to work for change in their environment
- They are more negative overall
- Whether, like bored humans, they feel that time passes more slowly than those in enriched housing
Through targeted behavioural research in the areas of cognition and emotion, the project provides the basis for evidence-based animal welfare claims that we are strongly committed to communicating externally.
This project therefore supports FOUR PAW's calls for a ban on the housing systems currently used in conventional pig farming, as well as our calls for systemic change in agriculture.
Find out more information here:
Animal boredom - identifying symptoms and consequences, FIS. [accessed 2025 Jan 23]. https://forschung.boku.ac.at/en/projects/13240
