Outdoor pigs in UK winters face welfare challenges from cold, wet conditions, and managing these challenges is essential to maintaining the welfare advantages of outdoor systems.
Outdoor pig welfare in winter depends critically on the quality of shelter provision and the management of muddy conditions. Pigs that cannot access dry shelter in wet weather rapidly develop hypothermia and chilling that compromises immunity. Foot problems from prolonged exposure to wet mud cause lameness that reduces feeding and social behaviour. Good outdoor pig management in winter is not passive - it requires daily attention to bedding depth, shelter condition, and individual pig health.