Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Wean-to-Service Interval

The wean-to-service interval (WSI) is a key reproductive welfare indicator in sow management. Short WSI reduces the period of reproductive vulnerability and associated welfare problems.

Key Facts

WSI is the period between weaning and successful re-mating in sows
Extended WSI indicates poor sow body condition or inadequate nutrition during lactation
Well-nourished sows with adequate body reserves at weaning have shorter WSI
Electronic feeding systems that manage individual sow lactation nutrition improve WSI
WSI data provides insights into sow welfare and management quality on farm

Welfare Considerations

WSI is both a productivity measure and a welfare indicator. Extended WSI indicates inadequate nutrition or body condition management that reduces sow welfare during the vulnerable post-weaning period.

What You Can Do

Support farms using WSI as a welfare monitoring indicator
Advocate for sow nutrition monitoring to be included in welfare audits
Learn about WSI as a welfare indicator in pig production
Choose welfare-certified pork from farms with good sow welfare records