Originally pigs lived in woodlands, foraging for nuts, seeds, roots and grubs. They will not soil their resting area and the myth that pigs are somehow dirty comes from their wallowing in wet mud. They do this to cool down in hot weather and to rid themselves of pests. The average number of pigs reared per sow is 22 each year though many sows rear more than this. The natural lifespan of a pig is 10-15 years.
Sows spend at least two-thirds of their lives in pregnancy.
In tether stalls the sow is tethered by a heavy chain attached to a strap around the pigs neck or body. Floors are concrete or slatted and do not have any bedding. When first tethered sows can become very distressed and struggle frantically. Lameness, other leg, back and hip problems and sores are all common. Sows also show stereotypic behaviour such as gnawing and biting stall bars.