The feeding system used for group-housed sows has a significant effect on the availability of sows’ key resource: food. Previously, feeding systems have been categorized as either competitive or non-competitive, depending on how feed is presented. As our understanding of these feeding systems has expanded, we are compelled to change this terminology. This site, as well as some other resources, will refer to competitive systems as unprotected, and to non-competitive systems as protected. These 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, herd size and management style. Planning is important, and in general you get what you pay for. Cutting costs during the renovation phase can result in a system that requires more labor and/or feed to operate in the long run.