The reproductive management of sows in commercial pig farming involves practices that cause significant stress and physical harm. Better standards can improve welfare without sacrificing farm viability.
The reproductive management of commercial sows is optimized for output rather than individual animal welfare. Sows in high-production systems experience repeated cycles of pregnancy, confinement, and early weaning that create chronic physical and psychological stress. Extended nursing beyond commercial norms would improve sow and piglet welfare but reduces the number of litters per sow per year. Lameness, chronic infections, and exhaustion are common among high-productivity sows. Welfare-focused breeding goals that prioritize sow longevity and behavioral needs over maximum reproductive output represent a fundamental reorientation that would benefit millions of animals across the industry.