Outdoor farrowing systems provide more behavioral freedom for sows during farrowing but create specific welfare challenges related to weather, piglet crushing, and disease management.
Outdoor farrowing welfare involves weighing genuine benefits against specific risks. The pre-farrowing nesting motivation in sows is strong - provision of materials and space to nest outdoors allows expression of a behavior that farrowing crates completely prevent. Sows in outdoor systems show lower distress behaviors during farrowing. However, outdoor piglets face weather and crushing risks that indoor systems partially mitigate through crate design. The welfare balance depends heavily on management quality, shelter design, and seasonal conditions. Higher welfare certifications typically require outdoor or deep-litter farrowing as alternatives to conventional crate systems.