Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Pig Group Housing Dynamic Static

Group housing systems for sows can be static or dynamic - each has welfare implications that determine suitability for different farm contexts.

Key Facts

Static groups are formed once and remain together throughout gestation
Dynamic groups have sows moved in and out regularly, causing repeated mixing stress
Static groups show lower aggression after the initial hierarchy is established
Electronic sow feeders (ESF) in dynamic systems allow individual feeding but require training
Dynamic systems offer production flexibility but require more active welfare management

Welfare Considerations

Group housing is an improvement over individual stalls for sow welfare, but the type of group system matters significantly. Static groups typically provide better long-term welfare through social stability, while dynamic systems require careful management to prevent repeated mixing stress.

What You Can Do

Advocate for static group housing where possible in sow welfare standards
Support farm assurance schemes that address group management type, not just housing type
Engage with producers transitioning to group housing about best practice management