Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Sow Longevity and Culling Welfare

Sow longevity is both a welfare and economic issue - improving health and housing reduces premature culling due to lameness, disease, and reproductive failure.

Key Facts

Average sow longevity in commercial herds is 2-3 parities, far below biological potential
Lameness is the leading cause of premature culling in sows
Improved flooring, group housing, and body condition management extend productive lives
Sows culled early for lameness experience pain and distress before and during culling
Replacement gilt selection and rearing quality determines adult sow longevity outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Short sow lifespans reflect welfare failures throughout the production cycle - from gilt rearing to late-parity housing. Extending longevity through better management and housing is both a welfare improvement and a business benefit for pig producers.

What You Can Do

Support farms with lameness monitoring and management programs for sows
Advocate for floor quality standards that protect sow joint and hoof health
Choose pork from farms with demonstrated high sow welfare and longevity standards