Farm Animals

Pig Group Housing Transitions

Transitioning gestating sows from individual stalls to group housing requires careful management to avoid welfare problems from aggression.

Key Facts

EU banned sow gestation stalls in 2013; US phase-outs are ongoing
Aggression at group formation causes injuries and stress
Stable groups established early reduce long-term aggression
Electronic sow feeding systems allow individual monitoring in groups

Welfare Considerations

Group housing is genuinely better for sow welfare when managed well, but poorly managed transitions can temporarily worsen welfare through injury and hierarchy establishment. Success requires investment in space, stable group composition, and appropriate feeding systems.

What You Can Do

Support legislation requiring group housing with adequate space for sows
Choose pork products from farms publishing sow housing specifications
Advocate for group housing to include space requirements not just the presence of groups
Support farmer training programs on managing group housing welfare