Housing pigs in stable social groups rather than individual stalls significantly improves welfare. Managing group dynamics and aggression requires skilled stockmanship.
Group housing for pigs, particularly breeding sows, is a major welfare improvement over individual confinement. Group-housed pigs can perform natural behaviours, form social relationships, and exercise, all contributing to positive welfare. However, social group management requires skill: aggressive encounters during regrouping cause injuries, stress, and reduced productivity. Providing adequate space, enrichment, and multiple feeding stations reduces competition-related aggression. Stable group management, careful introduction protocols, and avoiding unnecessary regrouping are key to realising the welfare benefits of group systems.