Sow Lactation Welfare: Nutrition, Behaviour, and Health

The lactation period in sows is physiologically demanding and represents a critical welfare period requiring careful nutritional and behavioural management.

Key Facts

Sows produce up to 12 litres of milk per day at peak lactation, placing extreme metabolic demands on the body
Modern hyperprolific sows can raise 14 or more piglets per litter but often struggle to maintain body condition
Sows in farrowing systems are typically unable to move freely for three to four weeks during lactation
Hunger is a significant welfare concern in lactating sows given their high nutritional requirements
Piglet nursing disrupts sow rest and creates cumulative sleep deprivation in high-litter-size systems

Welfare Considerations

Lactating sows face some of the most intense physiological demands of any farm animal. The combination of high milk production, restricted movement, frequent nursing, and inadequate nutrition creates a welfare perfect storm in many commercial systems. Body condition loss during lactation indicates chronic underfeeding relative to metabolic need. Sleep disruption from frequent piglet nursing impairs immune function and recovery. Modern hyperprolific genetics have outpaced management systems ability to support sow welfare during lactation. Addressing sow lactation welfare requires improvements in feed access, freedom of movement, and management of litter size relative to available teats and sow capacity.

What You Can Do

Support pork from higher-welfare systems that prioritise sow condition during lactation
Advocate for genetic selection that balances litter size with sow welfare capacity
Support research into lactation management systems that reduce sow welfare compromise
Learn about the connection between sow welfare and piglet welfare outcomes
Encourage transparency in pork supply chains about breeding sow management systems