Ethological design of a practicable farrowing pen (1994)

Schmid, H.

Abstract

The design of the pen is adjusted to the behavioural organisation of the sow and the piglets under minimal space requirement. The pen (2.5 m x 3.0 m) is divided into nest- and an activity-area. ... Straw is offered both in the nest-area and as additional nest-building material. All 28 sows tested chose their nest site in the nest-area and they regularly defecated and urinated in the activity area. The species specific coordination of the behaviour of the sow and her piglets prevents crushing as effectively as the technical equipment of farrowing crates.