Farm Animals

Pig Farrowing Environment and Nesting Welfare

Nest building is one of the most strongly motivated behaviors in sows before farrowing. Providing nesting materials addresses a fundamental welfare need while improving piglet outcomes.

Key Facts

Sows show increasing nest-building motivation for 24-48 hours before farrowing that becomes frustrated without materials
Loose nesting materials including straw, paper, or jute allow sows to perform rooting and carrying behaviors
Nesting material provision reduces sow stress hormones and improves maternal behavior after farrowing
Some free-farrowing system designs incorporate dedicated nesting areas that encourage natural farrowing postures

Welfare Considerations

Nesting behavior in pre-farrowing sows is physiologically driven and cannot be suppressed without welfare cost. The frustration of being unable to build a nest is measurable through behavioral and physiological indicators. Providing even simple nesting materials like straw or paper allows expression of this important behavioral sequence, reducing stress and improving the welfare of both sows and their piglets during the critical farrowing period.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards requiring nesting material provision for sows before farrowing
Choose pork from farms providing nesting materials as a standard management practice
Advocate for free-farrowing systems with dedicated nesting areas as a welfare standard
Learn about the motivational systems driving sow nesting behavior to appreciate its welfare importance