Pre-weaning mortality in piglets is one of the most significant welfare problems in commercial pig production. Crushing by sows and starvation cause the majority of deaths in the first week of life.
The farrowing crate welfare dilemma involves genuine conflict between piglet welfare (reduced crushing) and sow welfare (severe restriction). Sows in farrowing crates cannot turn around, perform nesting behaviour, or express normal maternal care beyond nursing. The confinement period typically lasts 4-5 weeks. Free-farrowing systems show that, with appropriate pen design, crushing mortality can be kept low without crate confinement. However, good free-farrowing welfare requires higher stockperson skill and pen design investment. Piglets that are not crushed but starve through competition for teats also experience significant welfare costs, particularly in litters exceeding 12 viable piglets.