State of the Sows: A Q&A on Group Housing in Pig Production

As social animals, pigs are intelligent and can display a range of complex behaviours. They love to explore, forage and interact socially with other pigs, and this is especially true for pregnant pigs, or commonly referred to as sows.

Traditionally, sow management in Asia has employed the individual housing system using stalls. Individual housing has been the go-to model for sow management as it prevents fighting, reduces stress and keeps sows’ seperated. However, there is a growing concern with regards to animal welfare whereby individual stalls severely restrict movement and natural behaviours of sows.

But things are changing. The push for group housing in sow management has been gaining momentum all over the world. In Asia, Thailand’s largest pig producer CP has committed to fully transition to group gestation pens for all its local operation by 2025. In Europe, animal welfare has for a long time been a key issue with conversion to group housing for the entire pig production industry completed in 2013, in-line with the European Union (EU) regulations.  Even McDonalds in the Unites States has pledged that by the end of 2024, all of its pork products sold locally will come from sows housed in groups during pregnancy.

The transition to group housing in sow management, however, is not a flip of a switch. It requires thoughtful, careful consideration as well as economic viability and enhanced monitoring. When considering a shift to group housing, it is perhaps crucial to ask yourself these 10 questions that can provide clarity to your concerns:

1. Why should I consider switching to group housing for pregnant sows?
Group housing is widely recognised for improved animal welfare, reduced stress, and better social interaction for sows. It aligns with evolving industry standards and growing consumer demands for more humane pig production practices.

2. Are there any regulations mandating group housing for sows?
Regulations on animal welfare is generally lacking in Asia and this can vary from region to region. However, with some of the largest pig producers in Asia committing to make the transition, it is possibly wise to be prepared for any future regulation.

3. What are the key benefits of group housing for sows?
Group housing improves animal welfare, reduces aggression, promotes better leg and joint health, and can lead to improved reproductive performance, resulting in economic benefits. Additionally, group housing better prepares sows for farrowing as they are healthier and in better shape compared to sows housed individually.

4. How do sows adapt to group housing?
Sows adapt to group housing over time. Social hierarchies may form, and some initial aggression may occur, but with proper management, sows generally adjust to group living well. The timing of when to send sows into group housing is also essential, typically as soon as possible after insemination, as practised by some breeders in Europe for earlier acclimatisation.

5. What are the space requirements for group housing systems?
Adequate space is essential in group housing. Sows need enough room to move, lie down, and eat without competition. Guidelines typically recommend up to 2.3 square meters per sow.

6. How do I prevent aggression among sows in group housing?
Proper space allowance, well-designed feeding systems, and providing adequate resources like water and feeding stations can help minimise aggression. Familiarity with sow behaviour and careful sow grouping can also mitigate aggression. Use of technologies such as Electronic Sow Feeding (ESF) also helps to reduce competition during feeding and promote wellbeing.

7. Can group housing affect sow reproductive performance?
A well-managed, group housing can enhance reproductive performance by reducing stress and encouraging better sow health and body condition. For instance, the use of Big Dutchman’s ESF Penning system allows sows to thrive in group environments, promoting their reproductive performance. However, it's crucial to monitor sows closely and provide proper nutrition throughout their gestation period.

8. What is the economic impact of transitioning to group housing?
While there may be initial setup costs, group housing can lead to long-term economic benefits due to improved reproductive performance, reduced health issues, and better feed efficiency. In fact, multiple research, including the study from Prairie Swine Centre in Canada points to better production performance when sows are placed in group housing.

9. Are there different types of group housing systems available?
Yes, there are various group housing system designs available for both static and dynamic groups. These include innovations from Big Dutchman such as the Head/Quarter Stall, BD Flip and Free Access Stall. The suitability of each of these systems depends on farm-specific needs and management practices.

10. How can I ensure a successful transition to group housing for pregnant sows? 
Successful transition to group housing involves careful planning, proper facility design, adequate training for farm personnel, and close monitoring of sow behaviour and health during the adaptation period. The shift to group housing is also made easier with the right equipment and innovations, such as Big Dutchman’s proven range of penning, feeding and water supply systems for Sow Management.

As consumers are increasingly demanding more humane methods to be employed in food production, employing group housing is the right response and the way forward. But its not just about meeting market demand, the transition to group housing has birthed many new innovations in pig production, directly leading to improved performance and productivity. And as more sows are liberated in the years to come, especially in Asia, it will be a clear indication that group housing for sows is both animal-friendly and economically viable.

Interested to know how Big Dutchman can help in your transition to group housing? Click the ‘Send a Message’ Button below to talk to us!