Confining sows during farrowing and lactation is an emotive issue, even though the benefits to piglet survival and welfare are well documented.A growing number of consumers would prefer nursing sows to have the freedom to move and interact 'more naturally' with their offspring. Their reasoning tends to be based on the perceived success of outdoor, 'free-range' production. It's a fair argument,particularly if you overlook the difficulties presented by climate, topography, the environment and the financial implications of higher feed costs and lower productivity.
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