Farm Animals

Pig Farrowing System Welfare Innovation

New farrowing system designs aim to improve welfare for both sow and piglets, allowing sow movement while reducing piglet crushing risk.

Key Facts

Traditional farrowing crates restrict sow movement to protect piglets
Loose-housed farrowing pens with creep areas reduce sow restriction
Temporary crating for 5-7 days post-farrowing balances sow and piglet welfare
Scandinavian systems like PigSAFE have demonstrated improved welfare outcomes
UK government commitments to phase out farrowing crates drive innovation

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing system design involves genuine trade-offs between sow and piglet welfare. Fully loose farrowing increases piglet crushing risk but enables sow natural behaviour. Innovative designs that allow movement with piglet protection represent welfare advances over both extremes. Continued investment in farrowing system research is a welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Support organisations funding farrowing system welfare research
Choose pork from farms investing in improved farrowing systems
Advocate for farrowing system regulations that balance sow and piglet welfare