Modern hyperprolific sows face extraordinary physiological demands during lactation. Meeting their nutritional and behavioral needs during this period is a critical welfare challenge.
The lactating sow faces genuine physiological stress from the demands of nursing hyperprolifc litters. Chronic body weight loss over successive lactations reduces long-term sow health. Farrowing crate confinement prevents the sow from performing nest adjustment behaviors and causes severe frustration. Welfare-positive lactation management includes high-energy feeding programs to reduce body weight loss, temperature control to minimize heat stress, and where possible free-farrowing systems that allow behavioral freedom while managing piglet mortality risk through good design.