The choice of farrowing system profoundly affects sow welfare during one of the most important and demanding periods of a pig's productive life.
Farrowing crate confinement prevents sows from performing critical nesting behaviors in the hours before birth - an intensely motivated behavioral need. Sows unable to nest show stereotypic rooting, pawing, and restlessness for hours, representing significant welfare harm. The inability to turn around during the entire farrowing and suckling period - typically 3-4 weeks - represents a profound restriction of normal behavior. However, the welfare of piglets must also be considered: crushing accounts for up to 50% of pre-weaning piglet mortality. Well-designed loose farrowing systems with protected piglet areas, appropriate floor surfaces, and adequate space can significantly reduce both sow confinement distress and piglet crushing, but require higher capital investment and management skill.