The transition from individual sow stalls to group housing systems for gestating pigs has improved welfare for millions of animals, but the implementation reveals ongoing challenges around aggression management and space requirements.
The transition to group housing for gestating sows represents significant welfare progress by enabling movement, social interaction, and more natural behavior. However, group housing systems are not automatically welfare-positive. Poorly managed mixing, insufficient space, and inadequate enrichment can result in severe aggression that causes injury to subordinate animals. The welfare benefit of group housing depends critically on space allowances, group stability, enrichment provision, and skilled stockperson management. Ongoing monitoring and willingness to adjust management based on welfare outcomes is essential.