Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Farrowing Pen Design Advanced Welfare

Farrowing pen design balances sow welfare and piglet survival, with innovative designs seeking to improve both simultaneously.

Key Facts

Conventional farrowing crates restrict sow movement to prevent crushing
Sow welfare is compromised by inability to perform nesting and turning behaviours
Loose farrowing systems improve sow welfare but require more skilled management
Piglet mortality is higher in loose systems without good management
Protected area designs allow free sow movement while protecting piglets from crushing

Welfare Considerations

The farrowing pen represents the most significant welfare trade-off in pig farming. Farrowing crates prevent crushing deaths in piglets but severely restrict sow welfare by preventing natural behaviour including turning, nesting, and exploring. Innovative pen designs that provide protected creep areas while allowing sow movement are the most welfare-positive approach currently available.

What You Can Do

Support research into farrowing pen designs that improve both sow and piglet welfare
Advocate for phase-out timelines for conventional farrowing crates
Choose pork from producers investing in alternative farrowing systems