Pigs are being given toys to play with in their pens -- because apparently happier pigs make tastier pork.  The toys are
part of a country-wide project funded by the British Pig Executive (BPEX) to improve conditions for pigs.  Anxious pigs release more of the stress hormone cortisol, which affects muscles and so the quality of meat.  Pork from stressed pigs is paler and softer.  BPEX welfare co-ordinator Dr Nina Wainwright said: "Stressed pigs are likely to start biting tails, and sometimes ears, of other pigs and one of the main causes of stress is a lack of things to bite at."