The farrowing period is one of the most welfare-critical times for both sow and piglets, with housing system design having profound effects on maternal behavior expression and piglet survival.
The farrowing welfare debate crystallizes the difficulty of resolving genuine welfare conflicts: farrowing crates severely restrict sow freedom and prevent natural maternal behavior (a significant welfare cost), while free-farrowing without excellent design and management risks higher piglet crushing rates (a major welfare cost to piglets). Resolution requires better system design rather than accepting either welfare compromise: escape areas for piglets, appropriate flooring, pre-farrowing nesting materials, and excellent stockperson monitoring during farrowing can make free-farrowing welfare-positive for both generations. The sow's nesting motivation is so strong that preventing its expression causes measurable physiological stress and behavioral indicators of frustration. Several European countries have legislated against farrowing crate use, driving innovation in free-farrowing design that is demonstrating genuine viability.