Sow longevity is both a welfare and economic indicator; high culling rates reflect poor reproductive welfare and indicate systemic management problems.
Short sow lifespans indicate poor welfare rather than just production inefficiency. Early culling for lameness means sows suffer significant locomotor pain before removal from the system. Premature culling also means fewer sows complete their productive potential in lower-pain conditions. Improving sow longevity through better housing that prevents lameness, appropriate body condition management and reduced group competition is both a welfare improvement and a production benefit. High culling rates should trigger welfare review in any system.