Outdoor pig farrowing systems allow sows to engage in natural nest-building behavior but require careful management to protect both sow and piglet welfare across varying conditions.
Outdoor farrowing highlights the genuine complexity of welfare trade-offs in farming. Outdoor sows can express their strong nesting drive, move freely, and experience natural conditions — significant welfare benefits. However, piglet mortality from crushing (a risk when sows can move freely) and weather exposure can be higher than in confined systems. The welfare math requires counting both sow welfare and piglet welfare. Progressive farming systems are developing free-farrowing alternatives that provide sow freedom while using temporary protective barriers during the highest-risk period immediately post-birth, achieving good welfare outcomes for both sow and piglets.