Body condition scoring of breeding sows is essential for welfare management, affecting reproductive performance, longevity, and the ability of sows to meet the physical demands of pregnancy and lactation.
Body condition management has direct welfare implications throughout the sow reproductive cycle. Sows entering farrowing in over-conditioned states are at increased risk of dystocia - prolonged, painful labour - and have higher rates of stillborn piglets. Over-conditioned sows are also at greater risk of post-farrowing anorexia. Under-conditioning affects both the sow and her litter: thin sows produce less milk, have more piglet deaths through crushing (as they are weakened and less careful), and may show increased aggression. The transition from group housing during gestation to individual farrowing accommodation is inherently stressful, and sows in poor condition manage this transition less well. Regular BCS assessment, weekly if possible, combined with individual feeding adjustment provides the welfare foundation for good reproductive management.