Sow longevity is both a welfare and economic indicator in pig production. High turnover rates reveal systemic welfare failures that shorten productive lives prematurely.
Sow longevity is an informative welfare proxy: systems that generate rapid physical breakdown of breeding animals are systems with poor welfare. The short productive lifespan of commercial sows reflects the physical toll of intensive confinement — leg weakness from inadequate exercise, foot problems from concrete flooring, and physiological stress from repeated pregnancy cycles without behavioral outlets. Improving sow longevity requires systemic changes including group housing with solid flooring and bedding, appropriate nutrition, and reduction in reproductive intensity. Higher-welfare production systems consistently show better sow longevity, demonstrating that welfare improvement and production sustainability are aligned rather than opposed.