The farrowing period is one of the highest-welfare-risk phases in pig production. Balancing sow welfare, piglet survival, and stockperson safety requires thoughtful system design and management.
The farrowing crate represents a profound welfare compromise: it dramatically restricts sow freedom to prevent piglet death. Sows cannot turn around, perform nesting behavior, or express maternal care normally. Research using cortisol and behavioral measures confirms farrowing crates cause chronic frustration and stress. The piglet protection argument has validity — overlying is a genuine risk — but innovative free farrowing systems demonstrate that sow welfare and piglet survival can both be achieved with thoughtful design. The welfare case for moving away from farrowing crates is strong; the practical challenge is transitioning commercial systems at scale. Countries that have invested in free farrowing system development have demonstrated the transition is feasible with appropriate support.