Free Farrowing Systems - Detailed Management Guide

A practical guide to managing free farrowing systems for pigs, addressing key challenges of piglet survival and sow welfare.

Key Facts

Free farrowing systems allow sows to turn around and express nesting behavior before parturition
Piglet crushing rates in free farrowing are initially higher but decrease with system design improvements
Sloped floor designs, protective creep areas, and anti-crushing bars reduce piglet mortality
Sows in free farrowing show lower cortisol levels and more complete nest-building behavior
EU momentum is shifting toward phasing out farrowing crates by 2030 or earlier in several member states

Welfare Considerations

Free farrowing represents a major welfare improvement for sows, allowing them to express natural birthing behaviors. While piglet survival challenges exist, well-designed systems with appropriate management can achieve comparable or better piglet outcomes. The key is matching system design to management capacity and training stockpeople in the specific needs of free-farrowing sows.

What You Can Do

Review AHDB and Compassion in World Farming guidance on free farrowing system design
Train stockpeople in recognizing sow parturition signs and intervening appropriately
Monitor and record piglet mortality by cause to identify system-specific improvements
Engage with breed selection: some breeds are calmer and more suitable for free farrowing
Participate in industry trials or knowledge-sharing networks on free farrowing transitions