Comparison of injuries in sows housed in gestation stalls versus group pens with electronic sow feeders.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the location and severity of injuries in pregnant sows housed in individual gestation stalls with that in pregnant sows housed in dynamic groups in pens with electronic sow feeders.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

ANIMALS

100 pregnant sows of parity 1 to 3 and various body weights.

PROCEDURE

Fifty sows each were randomly allotted to gestation stalls or group pens with electronic sow feeders. Injuries were scored on the basis of location, number, and depth of wounds. Injury scores for sows in both housing systems were compared during a period of 90 days. The influence of factors such as duration of stay in the housing system, parity, and body weight on sow injuries was also examined.

RESULTS

Injury scores were higher in group pens with electronic sow feeders. As body weight increased, injury scores decreased for sows housed in group pens with electronic sow feeders and increased for sows housed in gestation stalls. There was a significant negative association between second parity and total injury scores.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Modifications in housing system design and management procedures are needed to reduce injuries in pregnant sows.