Pig Farrowing Innovation: Free Farrowing and Welfare in the First Weeks

The farrowing period is one of the most welfare-critical times for sows and piglets. Alternatives to farrowing crates that protect piglets while allowing sow movement are being developed and adopted.

Key Facts

Conventional farrowing crates restrict sow movement almost entirely for 3-5 weeks around birth
Piglet crushing by the sow is the most common cause of pre-weaning piglet mortality
Free farrowing systems allow sow movement while using design features to reduce crushing risk
Countries including Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway have banned or restricted farrowing crates
Higher-welfare farrowing systems can achieve comparable piglet survival rates to crates with good management

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing crates were introduced to reduce piglet crushing losses, but impose severe welfare costs on sows: complete restriction of movement, inability to perform nesting behaviour, and social isolation. Research demonstrates that sows are highly motivated to build nests before farrowing and experience significant frustration when prevented from doing so. Free farrowing systems — using protected areas, anti-crush bars, and good nest design — have been shown to achieve comparable piglet survival with substantially better sow welfare. The transition requires investment and management skill but is technically feasible. Consumer pressure and legislative change are both driving the industry toward adoption.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products certified to schemes that require free farrowing or crate-free systems
Support legislation restricting farrowing crate use
Engage with food companies to ask about their sow welfare policies
Reduce pork consumption or switch to plant-based alternatives