Farm Animals

Sow Farrowing System Welfare

How and where sows give birth significantly affects their welfare and that of their piglets. The transition away from farrowing crates toward free-farrowing systems is a major welfare reform priority.

Key Facts

Farrowing crates confine sows unable to turn around for 4-6 weeks around birth
Free-farrowing systems allow sows to express nesting behavior which is highly motivated
Piglet crushing rates are higher in free-farrowing but can be managed with good pen design
Several European countries have announced phase-out timelines for conventional farrowing crates

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing crates prevent one of the most motivated natural behaviors of sows: nest building. The frustration of being unable to perform this behavior causes significant welfare costs. Well-designed free-farrowing systems with protected piglet zones can maintain acceptable piglet survival while dramatically improving sow welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Choose pork certified from free-farrowing systems where available
Support campaigns for farrowing crate phase-out with realistic transition timelines
Encourage producers with free-farrowing systems through your purchasing choices
Advocate for public funding to support farmer transitions to free-farrowing systems