Pregnancy and birth represent critical welfare periods for farm animals; management practices significantly affect outcomes for both mothers and offspring.
Birth is a vulnerable welfare period for both mother and offspring. Confinement of sows in farrowing crates prevents nesting and limits maternal behavior. Immediate separation of calves denies maternal bonding and natural nursing. Selective breeding has increased dystocia rates, causing prolonged difficult births. Welfare-positive parturition management involves appropriate housing, minimal disturbance, and opportunities for natural maternal behavior.