Two ways to house gestating sows
Gestation sows can be housed in individual stalls or in groups. Both systems are used around the world. Which one is right for you depends on the rules of your market, your management and your budget.
Side-by-side
| Individual stalls | Group housing | |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding | One feeder per sow, easy to control | Needs a system for individual rations, such as feeding stations |
| Observation | Easy for each sow | Needs ID and good records |
| Space per sow | Compact | More floor area |
| Injuries from fighting | Rare | Possible, reduced by good design |
| Welfare rules | Restricted in some markets | Preferred or required in some markets |
| Investment | Lower | Usually higher |
What the rules say
The European Union directive on the protection of pigs requires that sows and gilts are kept in groups from four weeks after service until one week before the expected time of farrowing, with exceptions for small farms. Other countries have different rules, and some customers and retailers set their own standards. Check the requirements of the market you sell into before you design the house.
How to feed sows in groups
In a group, the strongest sows can take more feed. There are several ways to keep rations fair:
- Electronic sow feeding: each sow wears an ear tag, and a station gives her own ration. See smart sow feeding.
- Feeding stalls: sows eat in short stalls that protect them while they feed, then go back to the group pen.
- Floor feeding: feed is spread on the floor for the whole group. It is simple, but individual control is limited.
Design points for group pens
- Space and layout: enough room to move, with a lying area and a feeding area.
- Flooring: a safe surface that does not injure legs.
- Group size and mixing: a plan for forming and managing groups.
- Heat detection: a way to see and record heat, such as a heat detection station.
Our products and solutions
See the mating and gestation house solution, group housing pens for sows, gestation stalls and electronic sow feeding stations. Tell us your herd size and local rules through the contact form, and we will propose a layout.
