Livestock

Farmed Pig Sow Welfare Across the Production Cycle

Sow welfare challenges occur across the entire reproductive cycle from mating to weaning.

Key Facts

Sows in conventional systems spend their adult lives cycling through gestation and farrowing
High parity sows have more wear-related health problems
Weaning piglets at 21 days causes stress for both sow and piglets
Extended lactation improves piglet welfare but increases sow metabolic burden

Welfare Considerations

Sow welfare is a lifecycle challenge — each stage brings specific welfare risks from housing, nutrition, management, and the physiological demands of high-output reproduction. Sows culled young due to wear and reproductive failure live shorter lives than their biological potential. Welfare-conscious sow management addresses all life stages, not just the most visible farrowing and gestation phases.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that address the full sow reproductive cycle
Advocate for extended weaning periods that reduce both sow and piglet stress
Choose assurance-scheme pork that verifies sow welfare across all production stages
Back research into sustainable sow management that extends productive lifespan