Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Innovative Farrowing: Loose Housing Welfare Evidence

Evidence from loose farrowing system trials demonstrates achievable welfare gains for sows without excessive piglet mortality.

Key Facts

Well-designed loose farrowing systems achieve piglet mortality rates comparable to conventional crates
Key design features include temperature gradients, escape routes, and appropriate nest space
Stockperson skill and training is the strongest determinant of piglet survival in loose systems
Sweden banned farrowing crates in 1988 and maintains comparable piglet survival to EU averages

Welfare Considerations

Sow welfare in loose farrowing systems is significantly better than crate confinement - sows can turn around, build nests, and express maternal behaviour. The evidence from long-term trials shows that welfare gains for sows are achievable without unacceptable piglet mortality with appropriate housing design and stockperson training.

What You Can Do

Support organisations advocating for farrowing crate phase-out with producer support
Advocate for government-funded transition support for farmers adopting loose farrowing systems
Choose pork from certified crate-free farrowing systems as the highest welfare option