Sow Housing
Providing the right environment for gestating sows is critical to their health, welfare and productivity. Pregnant sows require individualized care, with special attention to their nutrition, daily monitoring and protection from disease.
Choosing the appropriate housing system depends on several factors: the needs of the pigs, available facilities, how pigs are marketed and, in many cases, legal requirements.
In some states, laws require producers to convert to group housing during gestation. As a result, many producers are weighing the pros and cons of various housing designs. The best system for one farm may not be ideal for another — success depends on how well the system is managed and tailored to each operation.
What Matters Most
Regardless of the housing type, the most important factor in sow care is individual attention and sound husbandry. According to the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), individual pig care is more important than the physical housing system used.
Whether a farm uses group housing or individual stalls, decisions about sow care should always be guided by science, veterinary input and a commitment to animal welfare. The quality of care each sow receives is what truly matters most.
Options for Sow Housing
There are numerous design options for housing gestating sows, each with its own set of benefits and challenges. Through years of research, key factors have been identified that influence the success of any sow housing system:
- How and when feed is delivered
- How and when sow groups are formed
- Floor space allocation
- Group sizes
- Genetics
- Whether the facility is a remodel or new construction
In addition to these technical factors, state laws may require producers to adopt specific types of housing, especially transitioning from individual stalls to group housing.
Explore these design options and decision-making guides.
Expand All
- Gestation Stall Design
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Gestation Stall Design and Space: Care of Pregnant Sows in Individual Gestation Housing
Group Housing Systems
Expand All- Choices and Designs
- Forming Sow Groups
- Floor Space Allowance and Group Size
- Genetic Considerations
- Nutritional Considerations
- Production Flow and Management
- New and Conversion Construction
- Economics of Sow Housing Conversion
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The Sow Housing Conversion Model is an Excel-based analysis tool that can be used to compare sow-farm financial results between an existing farm and a converted farm.
Download: Sow Housing Conversion Model
Instructions: How to Use and Review Results of the Sow Housing Conversion Model
Example: Sow Housing Conversion Model Example
Sow Housing Management
Even the best housing system will fall short without skilled daily management. Each type of gestation housing has unique features that require careful attention to detail and a high level of husbandry skill.
This section includes management guides for six common sow housing designs. Each guide features:
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Management guide
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Daily observation checklists
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Troubleshooting tips for common challenges
These resources are designed to help caretakers ensure the health and well-being of every sow, every day.
