Farm Animals

Pig Reproductive Welfare and Longevity

Extending sow productive longevity improves welfare by reducing the reproductive intensity required from each individual sow over fewer years.

Key Facts

Average UK sow longevity is 2.4 litters before culling - below welfare-optimal levels
High culling rates reflect the metabolic demands of intensive reproduction and locomotion problems
Sows with improved longevity have more time to recover between reproduction cycles
Genetic selection for longevity alongside leg strength and maternal ability improves welfare
Farms with better longevity have lower sow mortality and culling from welfare problems

Welfare Considerations

Improving sow longevity is a welfare indicator and goal simultaneously. Sows culled after few litters have often experienced significant welfare problems leading to early removal. Breeding and management that extends productive life reduces the intensity of welfare problems per unit of production and treats each sow more sustainably.

What You Can Do

Support farms investing in sow longevity through genetics and housing
Advocate for sow longevity as a welfare performance indicator in certification
Choose pork from certified farms with demonstrated sow welfare and longevity data