Outdoor farrowing systems give sows more freedom to express natural nesting and maternal behaviors. Understanding the welfare advantages and practical challenges helps evaluate these systems.
Outdoor farrowing represents a genuine welfare improvement for sows because it allows expression of nesting behavior - one of the most strongly motivated behaviors in pre-farrowing sows. Sows confined in farrowing crates cannot nest and show persistent frustrated behavior as a result. The freedom to move, root, and construct a nest in outdoor systems addresses fundamental welfare needs. The management challenge is that crushed piglets and exposure mortality can be higher in outdoor systems, particularly in adverse weather, requiring careful hut design and management. Overall, well-managed outdoor systems provide better welfare for sows while requiring more management skill to achieve acceptable piglet survival rates.