Different farrowing systems from conventional crates to free farrowing have different welfare trade-offs for sows and piglets, with evidence supporting welfare-positive alternatives.
The farrowing system welfare trade-off between sow welfare and piglet welfare has been a genuine barrier to change. Evidence now shows that well-designed free farrowing systems with appropriate nest material and management achieve piglet survival rates equivalent to conventional crates, while providing sow welfare benefits that crates cannot. The key variable is management quality - free farrowing requires more skill and attention than crate management, making training support a critical component of transition.