Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Birthing Nesting Behaviour Welfare

Sow nesting behaviour before farrowing is a strong biological drive whose suppression in farrowing crates causes frustration and stress.

Key Facts

Wild and feral sows travel several kilometres and build elaborate nests before farrowing
Sows in farrowing crates perform vacuum nesting behaviours indicating frustrated drive
Nesting frustration is associated with elevated cortisol and aggression in confined sows
Free-farrowing systems with nesting material allow expression of natural behaviour
Providing straw, hay, or other manipulable material for nest-building significantly reduces pre-farrowing stress

Welfare Considerations

Nesting behaviour suppression is a direct cause of suffering in confined sows; providing nesting opportunity is among the most straightforward welfare improvements in pig farrowing management.

What You Can Do

Support free-farrowing systems that provide nesting material before birth
Advocate for nesting material provision as a legal requirement in farrowing systems
Choose pork products from farms that allow sows to build nests before farrowing