The farrowing and lactation period represents the most intensive welfare demands on sows, with management decisions during this phase having profound effects on both sow and piglet welfare.
The lactation period places extraordinary physiological demands on sows while simultaneously restricting their behavioral freedom in confinement systems. A sow who cannot avoid constant piglet contact, who loses significant body condition despite intensive feeding, and who cannot express normal maternal behaviors is experiencing compounding welfare harms. The welfare case for longer lactation periods, more mobile housing during lactation, and better nutritional management of lactating sows is strong on both sow and piglet welfare grounds. Commercial pressure for short lactation to increase sow reproductive efficiency creates welfare costs that are externalized to the animals.