ABSTRACT: Loose Lactation & Piglet Commingling

Type and Average of Pigs on the Farm

The farm maintains approximately 500 sows, 2,000 weaners, and 4,000 grower-finishers.

Farming System

The production system is intensive and large-scale.

Description and Evaluation of the Good Practice

This good practice involves the use of 6.5 m² lactation pens with farrowing crates that are opened after 7 days, allowing sows more freedom of movement. Piglets are allowed to co-mingle from 20 days of age and are weaned at 28 days. This approach supports piglet socialization and reduces stress at weaning. The system performs well with piglet mortality comparable to conventional systems. Co-mingling before weaning increases feed intake and reduces post-weaning scours. Opening crates earlier than 7 days was found to increase piglet mortality, and co-mingling after day 20 may lead to sows cycling during lactation, which can affect fertility.

Farm Context

• Sows: Pens are 6.5 m² with 1.3 m² designated piglet area. Sows enter the farrowing unit 3 days before expected farrowing. Confinement lasts for 7 days post-farrowing. Paper is used as nesting material. Sows have snout contact with neighbors.

• Piglets: Piglets have access to a 1.3 m² creep area with floor heating. Protection includes rails. Piglets are not castrated. Tooth grinding is performed, and tails are docked. Iron is injected. Piglets are processed in front of the sow.

• Caretakers: Staff move quietly to minimize stress. Piglets are handled in the pen. Sows are not injected while loose. No stressful situations were reported during handling.

Economic Analysis

The document does not specify detailed cost figures but notes that the system performs comparably to conventional systems. Benefits include improved piglet adaptation, reduced post-weaning scours, and potentially better welfare outcomes.

Environmental Analysis

The document does not provide specific environmental metrics. However, the system uses 100% slatted flooring and a slurry pit, which may influence emissions and waste management.

Replicable Benefits and Relevance for Other EU Countries

This practice is scalable and relevant for farms of various sizes. It supports improved piglet welfare and reduced stress through early socialization. The system is practical and feasible for implementation across the EU, especially where transitioning away from full confinement is a goal.