Sow Welfare During Lactation and Farrowing

Lactating sows face significant physiological demands and are particularly vulnerable to welfare problems related to feeding, heat, and confinement.

Key Facts

Sows nurse piglets for 3-4 weeks commercially, longer in free-range systems
Lactating sows can lose 15-20 kg of body weight during suckling
Heat stress in farrowing units is a major welfare and productivity concern
Sows in farrowing crates cannot turn around, severely limiting natural behavior
Free-farrowing systems allow nesting behavior but require careful design to prevent crushing

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of lactating sows is multidimensional, encompassing nutrition, thermal comfort, ability to express natural behavior, and freedom from injury. Farrowing crates prevent sow movement for 3-5 weeks, causing frustration and inability to perform nesting or social behaviors. Heat stress causes reduced feed intake and increased piglet mortality. Free-farrowing systems address behavioral needs but require careful nest design and management to maintain piglet survival rates comparable to crates. Ensuring adequate feed and water provision for lactating sows is essential.

What You Can Do

Choose pork and bacon from farms using free-farrowing or deep-litter systems
Support campaigns calling for a ban on farrowing crates in commercial pig farming
Advocate for research funding into welfare-positive farrowing system designs
Discuss farrowing welfare with producers and retailers when purchasing pork products