Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Farrowing Supervision Science

Research on farrowing supervision identifies the practices that most effectively reduce piglet mortality while protecting sow welfare during the critical periparturient period.

Key Facts

Most piglet mortality occurs within the first 72 hours of life
Skilled farrowing supervision including night checks significantly reduces mortality
Sow behaviour during farrowing provides welfare information for management decisions
Pain management during farrowing improves sow welfare and maternal behaviour
Research supports targeted supervision protocols based on individual sow risk factors

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing supervision is a tractable welfare intervention with dual benefits - reducing piglet mortality while monitoring and protecting sow welfare during a vulnerable period. Evidence-based protocols improve outcomes on farm.

What You Can Do

Support farms with verified farrowing supervision programmes
Advocate for pain management during farrowing to be standard practice
Learn about farrowing management and piglet welfare science
Choose welfare-certified pork from farms with strong farrowing welfare protocols