Farm Animals

Pig Sow Lameness Welfare

Lameness in sows causes significant suffering and is associated with poor welfare, early culling, and reproductive failure.

Key Facts

Lameness affects 15 to 20 percent of breeding sows in intensive systems
Leg weakness, foot lesions, and joint infections are common causes
Lame sows have difficulty competing for food and water, compounding welfare problems
Concrete flooring without adequate cushioning is a major risk factor
Genetic selection for longevity and leg conformation can reduce lameness prevalence

Welfare Considerations

Lame sows experience chronic pain that affects their ability to care for piglets, access resources, and engage in normal behavior. Lameness is a leading reason for early culling in sow herds.

What You Can Do

Support pork from farms with documented sow lameness monitoring
Advocate for flooring standards that reduce sow lameness in breeding facilities
Choose pork certified by schemes that require regular sow welfare assessment