This paper attempts to validate the computer based welfare assessment model for gestating sows SOWEL (SOw WELfare). This model was designed based on the needs of the sows. An overall welfare score can be calculated based on the strengths and weaknesses of specific housing system in terms of welfare. The model predicted welfare scores for 15 different housing systems (based on 20 different weighted factors) was compared with expert opinion generated via a written questionnaire. According to the scientific community tethered and stall housing systems are ‘low welfare’ housing systems. Mid-ranking housing systems were indoor group-housing systems and individual housing system when additional space and substrate was provided. The top five ranked housing systems all provided the sows access to the outdoors and provided them with some form of substrate (ie: straw). When the scientists’ ranking were compared with those generated by the model, the model’s rankings were quite similar to the scientists’. Some of the most important attributes identified by the scientists were: social contact, health and hygiene status, water availability, space per pen, foraging and bulk, food-related anxiety, rooting substrate, social stability and movement comfort. There tended to be a moderate amount of discrepancy between scientists on the relative importance each of these attributes has. Even so, the weighted factors in the model were similar to the factors listed above. Therefore, this illustrates the model’s capabilities and it is in agreement with the opinion of those in the scientific community.