Sow Housing - Pork Checkoff

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.

Group Housing Systems

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Economics of Sow Housing Conversion

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:

  • Management guide

  • Daily observation checklists

  • Troubleshooting tips for common challenges

These resources are designed to help caretakers ensure the health and well-being of every sow, every day.

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Electronic Sow Feeding

Download PDF below.

Free-Access Stalls

Download PDF below.

Feeding Stalls

Download PDF below.

Floor Feeding

Download PDF below.

Trickle Feeding

Download PDF below.

Gestation Stalls

Download PDF below.