Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Gestation Group Housing Research

Research into group housing for pregnant sows continues to generate evidence about optimal systems, management practices, and welfare outcomes that guide industry transition.

Key Facts

EU-mandated group housing for sows post-service has generated extensive welfare research
Electronic sow feeder systems provide individual feeding in group housing contexts
Research shows stable groups with familiar individuals have lower aggression than newly mixed groups
Outdoor deep litter systems in Scandinavia demonstrate welfare-positive group housing at scale
Long-term welfare outcomes including longevity are better in group housing than crates

Welfare Considerations

Group housing research provides the evidence base for confident industry transition away from gestation crates while maintaining sow health and welfare. This research investment in better understanding of sow social behaviour translates directly into welfare improvements for millions of sows globally.

What You Can Do

Support research institutes conducting group housing welfare studies
Advocate for research findings to inform welfare standards development
Choose pork from countries that have implemented evidence-based group housing requirements