Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Gestation Group Housing Research

The transition from individual gestation stalls to group housing for sows has significant welfare implications that research continues to refine.

Key Facts

EU ban on gestation stalls (with exceptions) came into force in 2013
Group housing allows more natural social behavior but increases aggression risk during mixing
Electronic sow feeders (ESF) allow individual feeding within group systems
Group size, pen design, and mixing strategy all affect aggression and welfare outcomes
Welfare advantages of group housing are maximized with stable groups and sufficient space

Welfare Considerations

Group housing for pregnant sows represents a meaningful welfare improvement over individual stalls when well-implemented. The challenges of managing aggression are real but solvable with appropriate management, making good group housing a welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Support pig producers making the transition to group housing with veterinary support
Advocate for full enforcement of gestation stall bans in all EU countries
Choose pork from supply chains that have completed the transition to group housing