Gestation Housing Alternatives: Sows in a Deep-Bedded Cafeteria-Fed System

Posted in: Prairie Swine Centre by admin on January 1, 2008

This project consisted of two studies in which we compared the performance and welfare of sows in either conventional stalls or a large group, deep-bedded cafeteria-fed system. In the first study all sows were placed into breeding stalls at weaning. Following the second mating, sows were moved into either a section of stalls for implantation, or into the group pens. In the second study an additional treatment was applied within the group system. Half of the groups were formed at 35 days post-mating rather than immediately following the second mating. Housing sows in large groups, in a deep-bedded cafeteria-fed system had both advantages and disadvantages compared to stall housing. Grouped sows fought at the time of mixing, more so if grouped shortly after mating, but aggression dropped off within a week. Scratches were more frequent when animals were grouped, but also increased when sows were moved to new stalls. Abrasions were more common in stalled sows. Stalled sows also had a higher incidence of locomotion problems, including lameness requiring culling, than did sows on the deep litter. Stalled sows evidenced physiological changes indicative of long term stress. Productivity was affected only if sows were grouped within a few days of mating. In general, group housing resulted in acute, short lived welfare problems, while the results from stall housing were indicative of long term, chronic stress.

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