This is how a sow spends her life in an industry standard, government approved "dry stall" pen. Up to 19 weeks then she is transferred to a "farrowing" stall for another 3-4 weeks. Re-impregnated she is placed back in a "dry stall".

Row upon row, shed upon shed, farm upon farm - the Pork industry treats these intelligent animals in this uncaring, production line process.

The farrowing stall forces the sow to lie so that the piglets can suckle, the theory is that this prevents piglets being accidentally crushed, but deaths still occur. The sow is unable to nuzzle her piglets or interact with them.

After 3-4 weeks the piglets have their incisor /eye teeth removed with pliers and their tail is docked - no anaesthetic is used. They are then placed in these groups pens and fed growth promotants/hormones till they are large enough to be slaughtered at 18 months.

Pigs are essentially clean animals, yet they are forced to live, eat and sleep in their own excreta. Intensively reared pigs are also subject to disease epidemics which "necessitates" the continual use of antibiotics - some diseases can transfer to humans so "Bio security" measures must be observed.

Common behavioural problem with intensively bred pigs - biting steel bar of pen.

Pressure sores and other injuries are common from the constant rubbing against the steel bars of these "dry stalls".