Free farrowing systems — where sows can move freely during and after birth — are commercially available and increasingly adopted. The welfare evidence strongly supports their expansion.
Sow welfare in gestation stalls and farrowing crates is characterised by severe movement restriction, inability to express maternal behaviours and chronic frustration. Free farrowing systems allow the sow to nest-build, position herself freely during labour and interact normally with piglets after birth. Research confirms substantially better sow welfare in free farrowing with comparable piglet mortality when managed appropriately. Consumer demand for free-farrowing certified pork can drive faster adoption.