Group housing systems can produce more active and social sows, leading to a healthier pigs. It will increase muscle strength and decrease lameness with stronger bones from the ability to move around. An example of a group housing system is free access stalls. The degree to which sows actually use the free space is not well understood. In this experiment, 95% of sows used the free space, though not for extended periods of time or on a regular basis. Sows in ‘T’ pens used the space a lot more than sows in ‘I’ pens. Heavier and older sows used the space more, with average use being around 18%. Older and heavier sows use the free space more, indicating social stress may be preventing younger sows from using free space.
Free Space Utilization of Sows in Free Access Stalls (full article)
