James Joyce

Ireland is the old sow that eats her farrow.

Irish Novelist

Used mainly in farming contexts to discuss pigs' breeding.

Agricultural Term

Primarily used by people involved in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine.

Specialized Usage

Suggests a precise event; differs from 'give birth' which is more general.

Expect Specificity

Farrow refers to the entire group of piglets born, not just one.

Quantity Indicator

Description of a farrow often implies the health status of the newborn piglets.

Reflects Health

Farrow can be used to talk about one litter or several litters collectively.

Singular or Plural

 found out that if you sexually stimulate a sow while you artificially inseminate her, you will see a six-percent increase in the farrowing rate, which is the number of piglets produced.