What is farrowing?

What is farrowing and why do pig farmers keep using that term? Farrowing is a term for giving birth specifically for pigs, "that sow farrowed last week and had ten piglets." Sows (mother pigs) have a 3 month 3 week and 3 day gestation length which is about 115 days from when they are bred to when they farrow. I've seen sows have three piglets and I have seen sows have 22 piglets, it just depends on the sow and her body and how she is bred. Now if there is a sow with 22 piglets you have to move them to another sow who has recently farrowed because one sow can not raise all 22 of those pigs. Ideally, sows will farrow in a farrowing stall in a farrowing room. A farrowing stall allows a farmer to assist the sow in the birthing process if needed and makes it easier for the farmer to monitor piglets and sow. The stall also limits the amount of piglet injuries and a special flooring with small holes helps keep the piglets dry. The stalls are located in a temperature controlled farrowing room that is specifically designed to keep piglets warm and sows cool. Keeping piglets in a different area from other sows can also control the spread of disease.

This photo shows that piglets can lay comfortably next to the sow without getting laid on.