Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Sow Longevity Management

Sow longevity is both a welfare and productivity issue. Farms with high culling rates cycle sows through intensive production without adequate welfare consideration.

Key Facts

Average sow parity at culling in intensive systems is often only 3-4 litters
High turnover means sows are culled before reaching optimal longevity
Lameness, reproductive failure, and body condition are leading culling reasons
Farms that invest in sow welfare achieve higher average parities and longer productive lives
Extended longevity allows sows to experience less of life as young, vulnerable animals

Welfare Considerations

High sow culling rates reflect welfare problems that cut lives short. Investing in sow welfare - including body condition management, lameness prevention, and reproductive health - improves both individual welfare and farm economics.

What You Can Do

Support welfare certification schemes with sow longevity tracking
Choose pork from farms with verified sow welfare management
Advocate for sow longevity as a welfare indicator in pig assurance schemes
Learn about the relationship between sow longevity and welfare standards