Pig Farrowing Systems and Sow Welfare

Farrowing systems for sows giving birth and nursing piglets involve welfare tradeoffs between piglet crushing prevention and sow freedom of movement, with free farrowing systems emerging as a viable higher-welfare alternative.

Key Facts

Farrowing crates prevent sows from turning around but were introduced to reduce piglet crushing mortality
Approximately 15% of piglets die before weaning in conventional systems, primarily from crushing by the sow
Free farrowing systems including PigSAFE and UltraSow pens allow sow movement while reducing crushing
Sweden and Norway have banned farrowing crates, requiring free farrowing alternatives
Behaviorally, sows in farrowing crates cannot build nests, which they are highly motivated to do pre-farrowing

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing crates cause severe welfare suffering by preventing sows from performing natural behaviors including nest building, turning, and normal social interactions during one of the most behaviorally demanding periods of their reproductive cycle. The nest building drive is so strong that crated sows unable to access material perform vacuum nest building behaviors indicating significant frustration. Free farrowing systems that allow natural behavior while managing crushing risk through pen design represent a genuine welfare improvement. The welfare case against farrowing crates is supported by strong scientific consensus.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products certified to standards prohibiting routine farrowing crate use
Support campaigns for farrowing crate bans and free farrowing system adoption
Engage with major pork retailers about their farrowing crate phase-out commitments
Advocate for regulatory requirements for free farrowing systems across the EU and UK
Support research into free farrowing system design that balances sow welfare with piglet survival