Housing systems for Lactating Sows with an Exercise Area

Abstract

As an alternative to farrowing pens with animal fixation in crates, which are widely being used in Europe for housing lactating sows, especially animal-friendly pen systems have become available. They provide freedom of movement for the sow, with an additional exercise area, and comply with the EU directive 1804/99 on ecological farming. While applying a benefit analysis, the various approaches were characterised and systematically assessed, in order to compare them.