Ammonia concentration in farrowing pens with permanent limited range of motion for lactating sows

Housing of farrowing and lactating sows in non-crate systems

Disinfection of farrowing pens.

The author presents details on the cleaning and disinfection of specialised farrowing accommodation within an intensive pig unit. Procedures are described for use in two quite different sets of circumstances, as follows: in the event of the occurrence of one of the major notifiable epizootic diseases; routine cleaning and disinfection as part of normal management procedures. In the former case,...

Successful farrowing in sows

Productivity and Behavior of Sows in Level vs. Sloped Farrowing Pens and Crates

Forty crossbred sows were used in 10 blocks to determine the effects of farrowing pen type and degree of slope on sow-litter performance and behavior. The two pen types were a farrowing pen (2.15 m sow area plus 2.15 x 3 5 m creep area) and a farrowing crate (1.5 x 2.15 m). The two slopes evaluated were level (0% slope) and 8% slope. To collect behavioral data, a sample of litters was videotape...

Confinement of lactating sows in crates for 4 days after farrowing reduces piglet mortality.

To reduce mortality among suckling piglets, lactating sows are traditionally housed in farrowing crates. Alternatively, lactating sows can be housed in farrowing pens where the sow is loose to ensure more behavioural freedom and consequently a better welfare for the sow, although under commercial conditions, farrowing pens have been associated with increased piglet mortality. Most suckling pigl...