Alleviate pig boredom, Dutch ministry tells farmers

Dutch farmers need to do more than just provide a bit of mud and food for their pigs, according to the country's agriculture ministry. The ministry said farmers ought to liven up the hog pen with toys, hay or straw to keep the swine amused and has sent brochures on its new pig policy to farmers. "Without good diversion, pigs can become bored. This can be expressed in behaviour such as tail-biting," the ministry said.