Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Sow Body Condition Management Welfare

Sow body condition management throughout the reproductive cycle is fundamental to both sow welfare and productive performance.

Key Facts

Body condition score (BCS) of 2.5-3 is ideal for sows throughout gestation
Over-fat sows at farrowing have more farrowing difficulties and poorer maternal behaviour
Under-condition sows have prolonged wean-to-service interval and reduced reproductive performance
Individual BCS monitoring in group housing requires visual assessment or automated systems
Nutrition adjustment throughout gestation based on BCS maintains optimal condition

Welfare Considerations

Sow body condition is both a welfare indicator and a welfare determinant. Sows in poor condition have worse welfare outcomes from reproductive stress and immune compromise. Regular BCS monitoring and responsive nutritional management are the foundation of sow welfare programmes.

What You Can Do

Advocate for body condition monitoring as a mandatory welfare requirement in sow management standards
Support development of automated BCS systems for group-housed sow facilities
Choose pork from farms with documented sow BCS monitoring and nutritional management programmes