Outdoor farrowing in huts allows natural nesting behavior and significantly improves welfare for sows and piglets compared to indoor crates.
Outdoor farrowing offers significant welfare advantages through the expression of nest-building behavior and greater freedom of movement. Sows show strong motivational drive to nest before farrowing - frustration in farrowing crates causes measurable distress. However, outdoor welfare requires excellent management - poorly managed outdoor systems can produce worse welfare outcomes than well-managed indoor alternatives.