Comparative evidence on farrowing system welfare outcomes helps producers and policymakers identify which housing systems best balance sow and piglet welfare.
The farrowing system evidence base has matured significantly in the past decade. Early concerns that loose farrowing inevitably meant higher piglet mortality have been substantially addressed by improved pen design and management protocols. Current evidence indicates that with adequate space, anti-crush infrastructure, and attentive stockperson management, loose farrowing delivers better sow welfare and comparable piglet welfare to crates. The welfare case for phasing out crates is now supported by scientific consensus, with implementation timelines varying by country.