Are farrowing crates good for pigs?
Farrowing crates are considered to be economical, efficient and safe with maximising piglet survival as a main aim. However, they raise serious welfare concerns, particularly for the sow.
Why are farrowing crates bad?
Farrowing crates also severely restrict movement and frustrate sows’ strong motivation to build nests before giving birth. They prevent sows from being able to get away from their piglets if needed (for example, if they bite).
Are farrowing crates cruel?
Gestation crates and farrowing crates are both extremely cruel forms of confinement that prevent pigs from standing or turning around. The main difference is that factory farms confine pigs in gestation crates during pregnancy, and keep pigs in farrowing crates after they give birth to a litter of piglets.
What is the standard size of a farrowing crate?
wide; overall size of the farrowing crates is 55 x 80 in. (4.6 x 6.8 ft.). These crates have a middle flip up bar to restrict the sows as they lie down. All sizes of sows are placed in these crates.
What are the alternatives to using farrowing crates?
In general there are three indoor alternative farrowing systems to the crate: individual farrowing pens, individual temporary crates, or group systems. Here we focus on individual pen and temporary crating systems.
How do you stop pigs from crushing sows?
Husbandry measures can prevent crushing. The most useful short term measure is the use of a blowaway unit which produces a current of air beneath the sow each time she stands up and prevents piglets from settling underneath her, where they may be crushed. Farrowing crates should be adjusted for the size of the sow.
Why do sows crush their piglets?
The underlying reason for crushing and overlying is the disparity between the size of the piglet at birth (1.2 kg) and that of the sow (250 kg) and occurs particularly when the sow lies down to rest or to suckle the litter.
Why are pigs kept in a farrowing crate?
Pig farrowing crates are barred metal crates within a pen where pregnant sows are placed shortly before giving birth. Farrowing crates prevent the sows from turning around and only allow them to move a little forwards and backwards.
Why are sows kept in crates?
Gestation crates or individual stalls are used as a way to nurture the animals and protect them first during pregnancy. Because the animals are vulnerable during this time, with some sows more aggressive than others, the practice of separating the animals in crates keeps them from fighting and injuring each other.
How big should a pig farrowing pen be?
Each pen should be about 6 feet long, 6 feet wide, with a 2 ½ foot wide feed passage on the front side of the pens. The farrowing houses should be size appropriate to the number of sows in the herd and the number of births planned for each week. For a smaller farm, 6 crates are appropriate.
Should I use a farrowing crate?
Farrowing crates make for a more economical way of keeping farrowing sows indoors since they take up less space than farrowing pens that allow sows to move freely during and after giving birth. It is also easier for farmers to look after the sows without fear of being injured by a mother protecting her young.
Where are our farrowing crates used?
Our farrowing crates are currently installed on both domestic and international sow farms and remain a trusted pig production solution for farrowing sows on farms ranging in size from large integrator breeding sites to small scale 4-H and show pig farrowing barns.
What is the best farrowing crate for pigs?
Hog Slat’s Sampson farrowing crate has 25+ years of proven excellence in the field. The Sampson crate is designed with pig saving features that will help increase piglet litter survival rates while also providing exceptional sow comfort.
How does the pigeasy farrowing crate work?
Another goal of the PigEasy Farrowing Crate is to have plenty of access to the sow. With the European style side panels and Rump Guard Bars that can be removed even if the sow is laying against them, you’ll have the ability to reach the sow to provide the care she needs.
What is the Sampson farrowing crate?
The Sampson crate is designed with pig saving features that will help increase piglet litter survival rates while also providing exceptional sow comfort. Hog Slat’s Sampson farrowing crate’s design has been delivering field-proven, pig saving results pork producers can rely on for over 25 years. Available in painted or galvanized finishes.