Breeding sows
Pigs, particularly sows, are among the most intensively farmed animals on the planet.
Breeding pigs, also called sows, play a vital role in the pork industry but the conditions in which they are kept can cause immense suffering due to intensive farming practices, also called factory farming. As consumers, we have the power to make a difference by choosing products from farms that prioritize animal welfare or by choosing non-meat alternatives.
Welfare issues facing sows on factory farms
In factory farms, sows face critical welfare issues such as confinement, poor health, and reproductive challenges, leading to immense distress and suffering. It's important to recognize the inherent emotional and social intelligence of pigs; they are sentient beings capable of feeling pain, joy, and fear. The intensive farming practices, which ignore their complex emotional lives, are inhumane and deeply unjust. Such conditions deny these intelligent animals the opportunity to engage in natural behaviors, form social bonds, and live a fulfilling life.
Confinement
One of the most significant welfare issues for breeding sows is confinement. Sows are often kept in gestation crates or farrowing crates, which are small metal enclosures that prevent the sow from turning around, lying down comfortably, or even moving freely. This confinement can cause significant distress and frustration for the sows, leading to abnormal behaviors such as biting the bars or excessive vocalization.
Poor health
Breeding sows are often subjected to poor health due to the intensive breeding practices. Sows are typically bred as soon as they come into heat, and they are kept in a constant cycle of pregnancy and lactation. This intensive breeding can cause significant strain on their bodies, leading to health problems such as lameness, respiratory issues, and reproductive problems.
Reproductive issues
Breeding sows can suffer from reproductive issues such as stillbirths, abortions, and dystocia. These problems can occur due to poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and the intensive breeding practices used in the industry. Sows that experience these issues may require veterinary intervention or even euthanasia, causing further distress for the animal.
Boredom and frustration
Sows that are confined to small gestation crates for long periods may experience boredom and frustration. They may engage in repetitive behaviors such as biting the bars or excessive vocalization, which can indicate frustration and stress.
Depression
Sows may experience depression due to the chronic stress of intensive breeding and confinement. This can result in reduced activity, appetite, and social interactions, indicating a loss of interest in their environment and a decrease in their overall well-being.
Separation distress
Sows may experience separation distress when separated from their piglets or other sows they have formed social bonds with. This can result in increased vocalization, agitation, and restlessness, indicating emotional distress.
A better way for sows
Fortunately, there's a path to a more humane future for sows. Adopting higher welfare farming practices, such as group housing and improved farrowing systems, significantly enhances the quality of life for these animals.
Higher welfare practices
Providing manipulable materials, also called enrichment, such as straw or other materials can allow sows to engage in natural foraging behaviors, reducing stress and injury. This approach not only benefits the welfare of the sows but also decreases the need for antibiotics due to the reduction in disease.
Pigs on a high welfare farm where they are raised in group housing with access to the outdoors. (Photo: World Animal Protection / Nina Devries)
Beyond animal welfare, these practices offer broader environmental benefits, reducing the ecological footprint of farming. They also contribute to public health improvements by decreasing the reliance on antibiotics, which is crucial in our fight against antimicrobial resistance.
By embracing these solutions, we can create a sustainable and ethical food system that respects animal welfare, protects our planet, and promotes our health.
Our work to improve the lives of sows
Our commitment to advocating for higher welfare systems in farming is unwavering. We actively collaborate with individual farmers and companies to pioneer and demonstrate the feasibility of humane farming practices.
Hear from two Ontario pig farmers about why them, and their pigs, appreciate high welfare systems.
Breeding sows deserve to live a life free from suffering. We can all play a part in improving their welfare by supporting higher welfare systems and choosing products from farms that prioritize animal welfare. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for breeding sows.