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What alternatives to dry sow stalls are available for sow housing?

There are several loose-housing-systems available for dry-sows. These alternatives are all designed around a particular method of feeding. Sows may also be housed outdoors. It is important to note that no one system can be described as the ideal. International research continues to look at defining group size, group management strategies and feeding practices for various systems aimed at optimising animal welfare and on-farm productivity.

Factors which impact on choice of a sow housing system include:
the preferences of the farmer
economics
legal requirements
geographical location
welfare of the sows

The leading reason for choice of a housing system is the economic pressure on the farmer.

Indoor group-housed dry sows

A range of group housing options for dry sows have been developed as alternatives to stalls.

The common options used are:

1. Individual computerised feeding at protected, single feeders (electronic sow feeder). Electronic Sow Feeder (ESF) systems rely on advanced computer technology to ensure each pig accesses feed at a programmed daily rate. Each sow wears an electronic identification transponder in the ear, which is identified by sensors installed in the facility. Capital cost, sow identification and minimising aggression are still likely to limit the application of this system.
2. Group feeding, usually using floors or troughs.
Groups of sows can be fed manually, or semi-automatically using dump or spin feeders, which allow the pigs to feed off the floor, or from troughs. Competition for feed in these feeding systems usually has a detrimental effect on subordinate sows.
3. Feeding in pens with full or partial stalls, usually using troughs.
The feeding stall system involves individual stalls that pigs enter to feed. When a stall is empty, the rear gate stays open to the common area, but as a sow enters she can close the gate behind her, thereby avoiding interruption by other pigs as she feeds. Animals are typically supplied the same amount of feed, but producers have the option of supplying additional feed or supplements to individuals by hand. Capital cost is still likely to limit the application of this system.

Pigs are aggressive animals. When housed in pens as a group they have an established order of dominance. Pigs at the lower end of the pecking order can suffer severe bites from more dominant animals, and subordinates will have less access to their daily diet unless steps are taken to minimise conflict.

Group indoor production systems are not universally accepted as improving sow welfare. While sows can socially interact, they can also injure one another by biting each other’s vulva and by biting, pushing and riding one another. The only way currently available to reduce social stress among indoor group housed sows is to provide them with individual feeding areas, which is extremely costly, and even then behavioural problems are common.

Running dry sows outdoors

Some producers house their dry sows in outdoor systems. Light, free draining, sandy soil is necessary, and sites should be moved at least every two years to prevent the build-up of disease and parasites.
Sites in some areas may need to be shifted more regularly to avoid soil erosion during wet seasons, and underground water pollution. Access to shade and shelter for dry sows is also important to maintain farrowing rates.

Other potential problems to be considered include increased feed usage and reduced productivity resulting from weather extremes, disease problems, parasites and feral pests.

Successful outdoor production requires different breeding and management strategies to indoor production, and if boars are run with the females, there is an element of uncertainty with the timing and success of matings. Outdoor production is only suitable to certain climatic and soil conditions. Outdoor production therefore is restricted to limited areas of Australia.

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