The farrowing room environment is critical for both sow and piglet welfare, with temperature, space, hygiene, and social factors all affecting outcomes.
Farrowing room management illustrates how multiple welfare interests interact in farm animal systems. The temperature conflict between what sows need for comfort and what piglets need for survival requires careful environmental design. The social isolation of farrowing crates causes sow welfare harm while the practical challenge of piglet crushing motivates their continued use. High-quality farrowing room management — providing enrichment, monitoring sow comfort, and attending to piglet needs — is compatible with commercial success and dramatically improves welfare in both mother and offspring.