Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Pig: Outdoor Farrowing System Welfare

Outdoor farrowing systems using individual arcs allow sows to express natural nesting behaviour and significantly improve outcomes for both sows and piglets.

Key Facts

Outdoor sows have access to straw for nest building up to a week before farrowing
Natural nesting behaviour including rooting, carrying material, and arranging bedding takes 4-12 hours
Outdoor-farrowed piglets show better thermal regulation through huddling under straw
Stillbirth rates in outdoor systems can be lower than indoor crates due to maternal movement
Outdoor systems have higher piglet mortality from crushing compared to farrowing crates - management addresses this

Welfare Considerations

Outdoor farrowing systems represent a significant welfare improvement for sows by allowing full expression of nesting behaviour - a highly motivated drive that cannot be expressed in farrowing crates. While crushing risks require management, the overall welfare balance of well-managed outdoor systems is considered positive, particularly for sow welfare and the expression of maternal behaviour.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from RSPCA Assured or free-range systems that use outdoor farrowing
Learn about the welfare trade-offs between different farrowing systems
Support breed development of sows with better maternal behaviour for outdoor systems
Visit outdoor pig farms to understand how farrowing arcs are managed
Advocate for phasing out farrowing crates in favour of welfare-positive alternatives