Pig Farrowing Systems: Sow Welfare in Early Motherhood

Farrowing systems profoundly affect sow welfare, with traditional farrowing crates preventing natural maternal behaviour.

Key Facts

Conventional farrowing crates confine sows so they cannot turn around during farrowing and lactation
Sows in crates cannot express natural nest-building behaviour before farrowing
Nest building is a highly motivated behaviour — sow frustration when prevented is measurable
Free farrowing systems allow sow movement and nest building while managing piglet crushing risk
Crushing by the sow accounts for 50-60% of pre-weaning piglet mortality in indoor systems
Well-designed loose farrowing systems can achieve comparable piglet survival to crates in experienced hands

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing crates represent one of the most significant welfare restrictions in modern pig farming. Sows are confined for 3-5 weeks at each farrowing — a period during which their natural motivation to build nests, move, and interact with their piglets is completely suppressed. The welfare cost is substantial: frustration, muscle atrophy, pressure sores from continuous lying in one position, and inability to express maternal behaviour. Free farrowing systems address these welfare failures but require higher stockperson skill to manage effectively. Consumer and regulatory pressure for free farrowing transitions is growing, with several countries implementing phase-outs. The welfare of sows in this critical period deserves significant prioritisation.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from farms using free farrowing systems where available
Support welfare labels that specify farrowing system standards
Advocate for legislated phase-outs of conventional farrowing crates
Engage food companies and retailers about farrowing crate phase-out timelines
Support research and farmer training that enables successful free farrowing adoption