Livestock

Pig Welfare and Group Housing Systems for Sows

Group housing of dry sows, now mandatory in the EU for most of gestation, improves welfare substantially compared to individual stalls when managed effectively.

Key Facts

Individual sow stalls during gestation were banned in the EU in 2013
Group housing allows more natural social behaviour, exercise, and postural changes
Electronic sow feeding (ESF) systems reduce competition by providing individual rations
Mixing of unfamiliar sows causes fighting and injury, requiring management strategies
Stall-free systems require higher stockperson skill and management investment

Welfare Considerations

Individual gestation stalls prevent natural movement, social interaction, and expression of foraging behaviour, causing chronic frustration. Group housing significantly improves welfare by allowing locomotion and social behaviour but introduces risks of aggression, competition, and injury if poorly managed. Stable group composition, ESF, adequate space, and physical enrichment combine to deliver both welfare improvements and productive performance.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products from farms that have achieved fully group-housed sow systems
Support retailers sourcing from farms with demonstrated group housing compliance
Encourage regular welfare assessments to verify group housing quality
Advocate for similar standards globally, particularly in countries outside EU jurisdiction