Outdoor pig production in winter presents specific welfare challenges around thermal comfort, mud management, and shelter provision that well-managed systems can address effectively.
Winter outdoor pig welfare requires proactive management rather than assuming pigs can cope with any conditions. The key welfare risks are thermal stress from cold and wet conditions particularly for piglets and weaners, mud-related injuries from deep mud around feeders and drinkers, and bedding inadequacy in arcs that prevents proper thermoregulation. Well-managed outdoor winter systems address these through adequate straw provision, mud management around key infrastructure, supplementary heat for young pigs when needed, and monitoring of individual pig condition to identify animals falling behind. The standard of care required is higher in winter than summer for outdoor pigs.