Farm Animals

Pig Gestation Length and Welfare

Sow gestation management affects both reproductive efficiency and welfare, with nutrition, housing and stress influencing gestation outcomes.

Key Facts

Pig gestation is 114 days on average (three months, three weeks, three days)
Stress during gestation affects farrowing outcomes and piglet development
Heat stress in mid-gestation causes embryo loss and developmental problems
Body condition through gestation affects both sow and piglet welfare
Group housing during gestation requires careful feeding management to maintain condition

Welfare Considerations

Gestation management is a welfare foundation - sow welfare during pregnancy determines piglet birth condition and lifelong health trajectory. Heat stress management, appropriate nutrition and stress-free group housing together protect both mother and offspring welfare through this critical period.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards addressing heat stress during gestation
Advocate for group housing with adequate feeding access in gestation
Choose pork from farms with documented gestation welfare management