Group Housing for Pregnant Sows: Welfare Evidence and Implementation

The transition from individual gestation stalls to group housing for pregnant sows represents the most significant recent structural change in pig welfare, with evidence on how to implement it well.

Key Facts

Individual gestation stalls were banned in the EU from 2013, except in the first four weeks of pregnancy
Group housing allows sows to move freely and express social behaviour
Aggression at feeding is the primary welfare challenge in group housing systems
Electronic sow feeding (ESF) systems allow individual feed control and reduce competition
Floor space allocation and group size significantly affect aggression levels and welfare outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Group housing for pregnant sows substantially improves welfare compared to gestation stalls by restoring freedom of movement and social interaction. However, poorly managed group housing with inadequate space, inappropriate group sizes, or uncontrolled feeding can cause chronic aggression and injury. Evidence shows that static groups with appropriate floor space and individual feeding systems achieve the best welfare outcomes. The transition from stalls to group housing has been a major welfare achievement, but continued improvement in group management practices is needed to realise the full welfare potential of the system change.

What You Can Do

Support retailers and food companies that require gestation-stall-free pork in their supply chains
Advocate for individual feeding systems and adequate space allowances in group gestation housing
Choose pork certified under higher-welfare schemes that specify group housing management standards
Engage with pig producers on best practice implementation of group gestation housing
Support research into optimal group size and floor space allocation for sow welfare in group systems