Frequently asked questions (FAQS)
Systems differ in initial cost, floor space requirements, group size and management requirements, thus it is important to select a system that works for your barn.
There are many variables that need to be taken into account. Remember when you are renovating an existing operation there will be compromise. On one hand, some group housing systems like stanchions or floor feeding are cheaper to install, however, they might be more costly mid or long-term. On the other hand, an electronic feeding system (ESF) will be a initial investment but most likely reduce operational costs in the short, mid and long term. Generally speaking, initial installation cost associated with competitive feeding systems are cheaper. However, hey come at a higher operational cost, specifically higher feed and performance related costs.
Research agrees that we should avoid transferring animals after 4 days of gestation and until day 35 of gestation. So, the moment that is chosen will impact the design because the number of places needed in every production sector will vary greatly. Therefore, it is essential to mix sows pre (before 4 days) or post implantation (after 35 days).
Indications are that by day 35 of pregnancy sows fight less when mixed than if they are mixed at weaning or in the week after breeding. Keeping sows in breeding stalls for approximately 28-35 days until they are confirmed pregnant ensures implantation has safely occurred. If not possible, move sows into groups immediately after breeding, once they are past estrus.
Mixing should occur at these times:
- at weaning
- after breeding/ingemination (<4 days)
- After implantation (28-35 days)
For new constructions (without equipment), the flooring costs can reach up to 20% of the total investment. In the case of a retrofit, if the floor is still good, we must ask ourselves if we can keep the floor as it is or if we must change it.
Pen design is easy if we are working with new flooring. However, if the floors are kept from the old barn, compromises will need to be made. We must also keep in mind that the last thing we wish to have is dirty gestation pens with increased injury possibilities for our animals. Some tips exist to reduce those risks. Keeping existing flooring is, of course, the cheapest solution. An animal welfare specialist could help you determine the cost associated with making such a decision.
Changing the Floors
However, sometimes, it is best to invest more money while doing a construction/retrofit of your gestation to have better performing sows/gilts. It is not uncommon to discuss with producers that observed sow mortality in pens is 2 or 3 times higher than with individual crates, and it is mostly because of musculoskeletal problems.
Type and condition of flooring. Floors need to provide good traction without causing injuries. Slatted flooring should be free of sharp edges and breaks. Solid slat widths of
12.7 cm (5 in) with gaps no wider than 1.9 cm (0.75 in) can provide ease of walking, yet maintain cleanliness. Claw injuries, hoof lesions and lameness become serious welfare and health issues when flooring is not appropriate for sows. Proper drainage and management of bedding material, if used, are important for animal comfort and good air quality. Solid concrete should slope 2-3° towards the slats or gutter to ensure proper drainage; steeper slopes can cause slipping.
Ideally primiparous animals should always be together when placing in groups. According to regulations, the square footage that requirement for gilts is different from that required for sows (in Canada we are talking of 15 ft2 (1.4 m2 )minimum for gilts and 19 ft2 (1.8m2) for sows. In a mixed pen, we are talking about the 18 ft2 (1.7 m2) mentioned previously.
For a group of 50 animals with 10 gilts and 40 sows, 10 ft 2 (1 m2) additional is required if we separate gilts from sows. No, it is not enormous. However, we must think about what the regulations allow and the advantages/disadvantages of mixing parities.
Whenever new animals are mixed together, aggressive or antagonistic behaviour can be expected. The use of static groups limits mixing to only once during gestation and is the preferred option, if possible. However, it is possible to manage dynamic groups so that aggressive and agonistic behaviours are minimized. Whatever the choice, timely establishment of stable social groups that allow for the well-being of all animals in the groups is important for success of the system.
Space allowance per animal Depending on the system, a minimum unobstructed floor area of 1.8 m2 (19 ft2) per sow and 1.4 m2 (15 ft2) per gilt is recommended on slatted floors.
Greater space per animal is recommended for solid floor systems and for group sizes with fewer than 40 animals. Optimal space per animal results in better welfare, as well as access to feed and water with limited competition.
Keeping the Same Inventory
Many producers will analyze the option to expand the gestation section in order to have enough space to meet the regulations’ square footage requirements without having to decrease their herd inventory. In this case, the building design and the techniques used (herd and feeding) will dictate the amount to be invested.
Plenty of feeding alternatives are offered to the producers. Some, more expensive at purchase (electronic systems), can help decrease the future feeding costs. Therefore, it is imperative to analyze all of the options.
Decrease the Herd Inventory
Some producers will make the decision to decrease their herd inventory to avoid expanding the building. The renovation cost will be decreased but a decrease in herd inventory means revenue will also decrease. For some, this is a possible solution since there is no succession, for example.
Increase the Herd Inventory
Some others will increase their herd inventory significantly by using the actual gestation crates for breeding crates. The new construction will therefore focus only on the group housing section and additional farrowing places. It’s a great way to increase the herd inventory at a lower cost/sow (CDPQ , Dec 2012).
It depends. Published data indicates some herds saw a decrease in the number of piglets weaned per sow per year, but others have seen an increase. What is most certain is that a majority of the producers that have done the transition in the past would not go back to individual gestation. Their herd’s behavior is totally different than what it was before, and for the best. Animals are calmer, better fed and reach higher performance. However, this is again in direct relation to the feeding system selected and the type of group chosen. While some herds see an initial reduction in performance, it most likely occurs when sows are adapting to their new housing environment.
Ventilation plays a key role in maintaining pen cleanliness. Drafts in lying areas during colder seasons discourage sows from resting there and can result in those areas being used for dunging. Therefore, inlets should be directed to drop air primarily over slatted flooring to encourage dunging over the slats. Conversely, adjusting inlets to drop air into lying areas in hot weather can encourage sows to use them appropriately.
This includes stockperson and management skills, as well as the number of skilled people available. While all systems require good animal care, some require more or specialized labour for routine activities such as feeding, pen-cleaning, handling animals, or computer monitoring. Stockpersons’ husbandry skills remain the most important factor to ensure animal well-being in all housing systems.
- The layout should allow for distinct and readily accessible areas for feeding, drinking, dunging and resting.
- Animals must have adequate space to rest in a clean, dry area with a separate area for dunging so that these areas are not perceived as limited and thus defendable.
- Water drinkers should be situated close to the feeding area and over slatted Drinking areas tend to be used for dunging. In large pens, other waterers should be accessible away from the feeding area too.
- Solid lying areas separate from slatted dunging areas are ideal, unless bedding is used. Solid pen dividers within lying areas encourage sows to lie against them and also allow for escape and avoidance of aggressive encounters.
- Pen dividers or escape routes can help animals avoid unwanted encounters and lead to a more readily settled group.
- Areas where sows may need to pass each other (such as aisle-ways or entry- ways to feeding areas) should be at least 3 m (10 ft) wide. This provides sufficient space for subordinate animals to pass, even when a dominant sow lies across the path.
- Step-through gates between adjacent pens allow stockpersons to easily move between pens to observe and attend to animals without having to open gates or jump over penning.
