Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
3. Gestation group housing of sows
H.A.M. Spoolder
*
and H.M. Vermeer
Department of Animal Welfare, Wageningen UR Livestock Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700
AH Wageningen, the Netherlands;
hans.spoolder@wur.nl
Abstract
Group housing of gestating sows is currently replacing individual housing systems
around the world. Modern group housing systems allow performance in groups to be
equal to that in individual housing systems. A crucial element in the success of a housing
system is the way in which it deals with social (aggressive) interactions of the animals:
sows will fight to ascertain their position in the group, or to get access to resources. This
is normal sow behaviour, but management, feeder design and pen layout can help to
avoid potential negative consequences such as injury, reduction in welfare and loss of
production. Applied research has identified several elements of successful management
of group housing systems. It appears that mixing unfamiliar animals during weeks 2-4
of pregnancy should be avoided. Sows should have sufficient space to be able to avoid
each other or to flee from aggression, particularly shortly after unfamiliar animals are
introduced. The size of the group seems less relevant, but it is advisable to house first and
second parity sows separate from older parity sows. Presence of a (vasectomised) boar
in the group may help to reduce aggression among the sows. Finally, gilts can be taught
to deal with social interactions in an adequate way, or can be familiarised with the group
they are about to enter. Both approaches will reduce the impact of social interactions
at introduction into the group. The design and type of feeder have a great impact on
aggression over access to food. Sequential and consecutive feeding systems are used and
can both be effective. Important elements are the level of protection from other sows
during feeding, and the degree to which dominant sows can steal food from subordinates.
Feeding level can also affect aggression: restricted feeding promotes activity level and
social interactions near the feeder. Finally, the layout of the pen should allow for separate
feeding, sleeping and defecating areas. In addition, climate control to avoid overheating
and presence of a comfortable lying area will support normal resting behaviour, and
promote sow health and welfare. Several types of group housing systems exist, one of the
main distinctive features being the way in which the food is offered to the sow. The choice
of system depends on what the farmer finds most important: economic aspects, animal
health and welfare, level of control and labour requirement are all elements which may
differ between systems. With the right management, each system can be the basis of a
successful way to keep gestating sows in groups.
Keywords:
sow, group housing, animal welfare, aggression, sow productivity, sow
housing system
