The lactation period is critical for both sow and piglet welfare. Understanding the welfare science of farrowing and early lactation supports better management that benefits both mother and offspring.
Lactation welfare involves balancing the needs of both sow and piglets simultaneously. Modern high-litter-size genetics have created a situation where sow capacity (functional teats) is regularly exceeded by litter size, requiring active management to prevent starvation of less competitive piglets. The farrowing crate prevents crushing but imposes immobility costs on the sow that are behaviorally and physiologically significant. Loose farrowing systems that allow movement reduce sow welfare costs but require careful design and management to prevent crushing. Piglet processing procedures including teeth clipping and tail docking cause acute pain without anaesthesia - these should be minimised or eliminated through prevention (adequate environmental enrichment, tail docking alternatives) rather than routine application.