Different farrowing systems for sows have different welfare profiles for both sows and piglets, with free-farrowing systems offering sow welfare improvements alongside piglet welfare management challenges.
Farrowing system welfare involves genuine trade-offs that require system design rather than simple prohibition. Crate abolition without adequate free-farrowing pen design increases piglet crushing - the welfare improvement for sows creates welfare costs for piglets. Well-designed free-farrowing systems achieve the best welfare for both sows (natural behaviour, movement, nesting) and piglets (reduced crushing through pen design features) - but design quality and farmer skill matter enormously. Scandinavian commercial experience demonstrates that the transition is achievable with appropriate pen design, training and support. UK and EU movement toward free-farrowing requires investment in farmer training, pen design standards and transition support rather than just legislative mandates.