Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Reproductive Welfare Sows

Sow reproductive welfare encompasses experiences across gestation, farrowing, and lactation that represent a significant proportion of sow lifetime experience.

Key Facts

Modern hyperprolific sows farrow 13-17 piglets per litter creating physiological stress
Farrowing crates severely restrict movement during the most physically demanding period
Free-farrowing systems allow nest building and maternal behaviour expression
Weaning of large litters causes significant body condition loss requiring proactive management
Sow lifetime includes up to 5-8 parities requiring sustained welfare attention

Welfare Considerations

The reproductive cycle imposes significant physiological demands on sows that are compounded by housing systems restricting natural behaviour. Free-farrowing systems, appropriate nutrition, and limits on litter size reduce the welfare burden of intensive reproduction.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that limit parity number to protect sow longevity
Advocate for free-farrowing system requirements with appropriate management standards
Choose pork from farms with lower litter sizes and free-farrowing commitments