Outdoor farrowing systems give sows freedom to build nests and farrow naturally, but require careful management to protect piglet welfare from environmental hazards.
Outdoor farrowing represents a genuine welfare improvement for sows — the ability to express nesting behaviour, move freely, and farrow without confinement dramatically improves sow welfare during one of the most physically and behaviourally demanding periods of her life. The welfare trade-off involves piglet mortality, which is higher outdoors than in crates. Evidence-based management of outdoor farrowing systems — hut design, bedding depth, paddock drainage, and appropriate stocking rates — can significantly reduce piglet losses while maintaining sow welfare benefits. The welfare comparison must be made against all alternatives: crate systems suppress sow welfare severely but reduce piglet crushing. The goal is management systems that protect both sow and piglet welfare simultaneously.