Livestock

Farrowing Welfare and Piglet Survival in 2026

Farrowing is the most critical welfare event in pig production and improving outcomes for both sows and piglets is a major focus of 2026 welfare research.

Key Facts

Pre-weaning mortality in piglets averages 12-15% in conventional systems
Sow confinement in farrowing crates is increasingly questioned on welfare grounds
Alternative farrowing systems including free-farrowing pens are being adopted
Low birth weight piglets have disproportionately high mortality from crushing and hypothermia
Pain relief for sows during farrowing is increasingly recommended by veterinary bodies

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing represents a high welfare-risk period for both sows and piglets. Crate confinement prevents sows from expressing nesting behaviour and restricts movement severely. Piglets face crushing risk, hypothermia and competition for teats, particularly in large litters. Free-farrowing systems improve sow welfare but require skilled stockmanship to maintain piglet survival rates. Pain management for sows with difficult farrowings is frequently inadequate.

What You Can Do

Support the transition to free-farrowing systems in pig production
Advocate for pain relief as standard practice during complicated farrowings
Choose higher welfare pork products from farms adopting alternative farrowing systems
Support research into optimal free-farrowing system design
Promote training in farrowing supervision for pig farmers