How outdoor farrowing systems for pigs can better meet sow welfare needs while managing piglet survival in free-range production.
Outdoor farrowing systems offer significant welfare advantages for sows by allowing full expression of natural nesting behavior — gathering materials, constructing a nest, and choosing a birth location. These strongly motivated behaviors are completely prevented by farrowing crates. Research comparing welfare indicators across systems consistently shows sows in outdoor farrowing express more natural behavior repertoires. Stockpersonship quality is critical to manage piglet losses from crushing and weather exposure in outdoor systems.