Farrowing arcs used in outdoor pig systems protect sows and piglets from weather but require appropriate management to prevent thermal stress and predation welfare problems.
Farrowing arc welfare represents the outdoor equivalent of indoor farrowing system management. The welfare of piglets in arcs depends critically on management: adequate bedding depth, arc positioning relative to wind direction, and monitoring frequency. The sow welfare benefit of freedom of movement is genuine and significant - arcs allow nest-building behaviour. The management skill required to achieve good piglet survival in outdoor systems is greater than in crated systems.