Transitioning sows from individual gestation stalls to group housing systems requires careful management to prevent injury and ensure welfare benefits are realized.
Group housing offers clear welfare advantages over gestation crates but introduces new welfare risks if managed poorly. The transition from crates to groups exposes sows to social competition they were previously unable to express. Fighting during mixing causes injuries that can be severe. Effective transition management minimizes mixing after initial group formation, provides adequate space and feeding stations to reduce competition, and monitors for injuries. When managed well, group-housed sows show more positive welfare indicators than crated sows. The management skill required is higher, creating a learning curve for producers transitioning systems.