Breeding sows are often culled at relatively young ages due to foot, leg, and reproductive problems. Improving sow longevity improves both welfare and sustainability.
Sow welfare is a long-term investment that repays in both animal welfare and economic terms. The high culling rates from lameness and reproductive failure in intensive systems reflect management and genetic priorities that undervalue individual animal longevity. Improving sow welfare through better housing, nutrition, and genetics benefits the animal across her productive life.