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Effective Strategies for Reducing Aggression Among Group Housed Sows
Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Production by student on June 25, 2018
Author: Harry Siemens
Reference: Prairie Hog Country – October/November 2017
Summary: According to research scientist, Dr. Jennifer Brown, there are a range of useful strategies for reducing sow aggression in group housing situations. The Canadian Pig Code of Practice will require producers to house their gestating sows in group housing, the dynamics of that are currently being researched however, aggression is the biggest challenge for producers.
Dr. Brown says that developing more passive animals involves genetic selection, rearing practices and mixing practices. Sows are social animals according to Dr. Brown, and there are a lot of ways that the industry can construct their management that will improve the sows social interaction.
One important thing that producers must consider is the space allowance, according to Dr. Brown. Sows must be allocated enough room so that they have the ability to avoid each other. So if you are stingy on space allowance you will end up with problems and increased aggression.
Another important aspect is the way that the producer forms the groups, which is largely influenced on the type of feeding system in place.
Effective Strategies to Reduce Aggression