Pig Welfare and Farrowing System Design

Free farrowing system design must balance sow behavioural needs with piglet protection, with multiple commercial designs demonstrating viable alternatives to crates.

Key Facts

PigSAFE systems developed by the Norecopa group provide anti-crushing features without immobilisation
Comfort farrowing pens from Danish research allow nest building while protecting piglets
Commercial free farrowing adoption has grown to cover over 5% of UK sows
Mortality in well-designed free farrowing systems is comparable to crate systems
System design features including heated creep areas and rounded corners reduce crushing risk

Welfare Considerations

The commercial viability of free farrowing has been demonstrated across multiple system designs, refuting the argument that crates are necessary for acceptable piglet survival. Sow welfare is dramatically better in free systems that allow nest building, movement, and normal maternal behaviour. Piglet welfare benefits from a sow that can respond normally to their needs. Policy support for farmer transition to free farrowing, combined with consumer premium purchasing, accelerates adoption.

What You Can Do

Support government funding for free farrowing transition in UK pig farming
Choose pork from farms committed to free farrowing systems
Advocate for phased free farrowing legislation with economic transition support
Support research comparing welfare outcomes across different free farrowing system designs
Encourage retailers to require free farrowing timelines from pork suppliers