Pig Welfare During Farrowing and Lactation

The farrowing period is one of the highest-risk welfare periods for both sows and piglets. Current industry practices around farrowing crates are among the most debated welfare issues in pig farming.

Key Facts

Farrowing crates are metal cages that confine the sow during and after birth, typically for 3–5 weeks during lactation; they are designed to prevent the sow from crushing piglets (overlying)
Approximately 60–70% of global pig production uses farrowing crates; they are banned or being phased out in Sweden, Switzerland, the UK (partially), and several other jurisdictions
Sows in farrowing crates cannot turn around, engage in nesting behaviour before birth, or perform normal maternal behaviours — this causes significant frustration and stereotypic behaviour
Pre-farrowing nesting behaviour is one of the most strongly motivated natural behaviours in pigs — sows deprived of nesting material in the hours before birth show extreme distress responses
Overlying (crushing) of piglets by sows is a genuine welfare concern — it accounts for approximately 15% of pre-weaning piglet mortality in crate-free systems, though this can be substantially reduced with appropriate pen design
Pen-farrowing systems with temporary confinement options or well-designed free farrowing pens can achieve similar or lower piglet mortality to crates in well-managed systems
Piglets in farrowing units undergo routine procedures including tail docking, teeth clipping, and castration — often without anaesthetic — causing acute pain and potentially chronic welfare harm
Weaning at 3–4 weeks is standard commercially; natural weaning occurs at 12–17 weeks, and early weaning is stressful for both sow and piglets

Welfare Considerations

The farrowing period concentrates multiple welfare challenges for sows and piglets simultaneously. Sow confinement in farrowing crates for weeks at a time prevents the expression of highly motivated natural behaviours, causes muscle atrophy from restricted movement, and is associated with frustration and depression-like behavioural states. The inability to respond to piglets' distress calls and move freely in response is a significant welfare cost for a species with complex maternal behaviour. Painful routine procedures on piglets — teeth clipping, tail docking, castration without anaalgesia — add further welfare concerns. Free-farrowing systems with nesting material provision represent a meaningful welfare improvement, and their adoption is expanding as technology and management improve outcomes for piglets in crate-free systems.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products with RSPCA Assured, Soil Association Organic, or equivalent welfare certification that prohibits or limits farrowing crate use
Support legislative campaigns to phase out farrowing crates in your country
Ask supermarkets and food service providers about their farrowing crate policies and purchasing commitments
Support research into free-farrowing pen design that reduces piglet crushing mortality without compromising sow welfare
Advocate for mandatory anaesthesia for routine piglet procedures such as castration