Outdoor pig production delivers significant welfare benefits but requires active management to address heat, predation, parasite burden, and neonatal mortality welfare risks.
Outdoor pig welfare management requires addressing the specific risks of the outdoor environment while maximising its welfare benefits. Heat stress management through shade provision, wallows, and sprinkler systems is critical in warm climates. Farrowing hut positioning, bedding provision, and design significantly affect piglet survival and welfare. Parasite management requires strategic rather than routine treatment to prevent overuse while protecting welfare. Well-managed outdoor systems deliver net welfare benefits over indoor systems despite higher management complexity, and are increasingly demanded by welfare-conscious consumers.