Sows in late gestation have specific environmental and nutritional needs that require careful management to maintain welfare through the most physiologically demanding period.
Sows in late gestation experience the highest metabolic and physiological demands of their production cycle alongside increasing physical discomfort from late pregnancy. Motivated nest-building behaviour that cannot be expressed causes significant frustration. Inadequate space prevents comfortable position changes leading to postural discomfort. Social stress from pen-mates who are more agile causes welfare cost in group-housed sows. Welfare-focused late gestation management provides adequate space, nesting material, and appropriate group management to address these specific needs. Individual feeding to meet the elevated nutritional requirements of late gestation is a welfare priority.