Group gestation housing for sows provides significant welfare benefits over stalls but requires careful management. Best practice guides optimal implementation.
Group gestation housing welfare outcomes vary significantly based on implementation quality. Electronic sow feeding in stable, static groups with adequate space provides excellent welfare outcomes. Dynamic group systems with frequent mixing cause chronic stress from repeated social disruption. Space allowance above minimum requirements substantially reduces aggression by allowing subordinate sows to avoid dominant animals. Feeding system design ensuring all sows can eat their ration without competition or bullying is the single most important welfare element in group gestation systems.