Sow longevity - the productive lifespan of breeding pigs - has declined in commercial systems, with welfare and sustainability implications requiring systemic reform.
Declining sow longevity is a welfare and sustainability signal. High-producing sow lines experience the same metabolic and welfare challenges as hyperprolific laying hens - production demands that compromise health and welfare. Lameness, metabolic disease, and reproductive failure that end sow productive life are not inevitable - they reflect system design choices prioritising short-term output over sow health. Welfare-focused breeding programmes and housing systems that support sow longevity produce better welfare outcomes and reduce the environmental impact of high replacement rates.