Practical guidance on transitioning from gestation stall to group housing systems for pig farms, addressing management challenges and welfare outcomes.
Gestation stall to group housing transition is a welfare-positive industry change that requires careful management of the transition period to avoid welfare setbacks. Sows that have been individually housed may initially show aggression during group formation as dominance hierarchies are established. Management strategies including familiarity-based grouping (keeping established groups stable), adequate space for subordinate animals to escape aggression, and provision of enrichment materials to redirect behavioral energy all support successful transitions. The medium-term welfare outcome of successful transition — sows that move, socialize, and express natural behaviors in group settings — represents a fundamental improvement in the quality of life of millions of animals. Industry support networks sharing transition knowledge are critical for enabling smaller producers to make the change successfully.