Pig Sow Longevity and Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Commercial sow longevity is declining due to lameness, reproductive failure and structural unsoundness. Improving longevity benefits both welfare and sustainability.

Key Facts

Average sow longevity in commercial pig production is declining in many countries
Most sows are culled before their third or fourth parity due to lameness and reproductive failure
Lameness is the most common reason for sow culling, reflecting significant welfare burden
Genetic selection for litter size has been associated with reduced structural soundness
Group housing systems can improve leg health but require careful management
Extended lactation and sow condition management affect longevity significantly
Longer-lived sows have lower lifetime environmental impact per piglet produced

Welfare Considerations

Declining sow longevity reflects chronic welfare problems in breeding pig production. Lameness and reproductive failure are painful conditions that worsen before sows reach culling thresholds. Systems that cause sows to become lame and reproductively depleted rapidly are failing both welfare and sustainability standards. Improving sow longevity requires genetic, nutritional and housing system changes that benefit individual animals and system sustainability.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from producers committing to improved sow longevity and health standards
Support certification schemes that track and benchmark sow health and longevity outcomes
Ask pork suppliers about their sow culling rates and the primary reasons for culling
Support research into sow longevity and the housing and genetic factors that influence it