Pig Welfare and Farrowing System Innovation

Innovation in farrowing system design is seeking to provide sow freedom of movement while maintaining piglet protection. New systems aim to deliver welfare benefits for both sow and piglets.

Key Facts

Freedom farrowing systems allow sow movement before and after birth while maintaining confined access during highest crush risk
Loose-housed farrowing on deep straw provides natural nest-building behaviour but requires skilled management
PigSAFE, UDO and Freedom Farrowing systems are under commercial and research trial evaluation
Litter survival in innovative systems can match or approach conventional crates with appropriate management
Commercial adoption is growing in Scandinavian and UK markets with consumer and retailer support

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing system innovation represents genuine progress toward meeting both sow and piglet welfare needs simultaneously. Commercial adoption of innovative systems is now occurring at scale in some markets, demonstrating practical feasibility.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products from farms using innovative farrowing systems that allow sow movement
Support retailer commitments to transition to higher welfare farrowing systems by published deadlines
Advocate for research funding into farrowing system design that meets all welfare objectives