Advanced welfare metrics comparison between farrowing systems moves beyond mortality rates to assess the quality of pig experience across multiple welfare dimensions.
Advanced farrowing welfare metrics comparison reveals that single-outcome measures like mortality miss the welfare picture. When multiple welfare dimensions are assessed simultaneously — sow comfort, behavioral expression, stress indicators, positive welfare states — loose farrowing systems with good design consistently show superior sow welfare and comparable piglet welfare to crates. The persistence of crates in some jurisdictions reflects economic and management inertia rather than welfare evidence. Progressive producers who have transitioned to loose farrowing with welfare monitoring consistently report improved sow longevity and productivity alongside better welfare outcomes.