Farm Animals

Pig Outdoor Farrowing Welfare

Outdoor farrowing systems allow sows to express natural nesting behaviour, with welfare benefits for sow and piglets, but require careful management for weather protection and predator control.

Key Facts

Outdoor farrowing huts allow sows to build nests using provided straw material
Nesting behaviour is a highly motivated behaviour that is frustrated in indoor farrowing crates
Piglet mortality rates in outdoor systems are similar to indoor systems with good management
Predator risk from foxes requires adequate hut security in outdoor systems
Outdoor sows show fewer stereotypies and more positive behaviours than indoor counterparts

Welfare Considerations

Outdoor farrowing enables expression of nesting motivation and reduces sow frustration. Well-managed outdoor systems deliver substantially better sow welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support outdoor pig production through purchasing choices when available
Advocate for farrowing system standards that allow nest building behaviour
Raise awareness of the welfare differences between outdoor and intensive farrowing
Support research into optimal outdoor farrowing management for welfare