ABSTRACT: Easy Access Creep

Type and Average of Pigs on the Farm

The farm maintains approximately 1,200 sows. No weaners or grower-finishers are present.

Farming System

The production system is intensive, with no use of extensive, organic, or free-range methods.

Description and Evaluation of the Good Practice

In 2003, the farmers designed pens for loose housing of farrowing and lactating sows with zero confinement. Their key innovation was placing the covered creep (piglet) area adjacent to the passageway, allowing caretakers to check piglets daily without entering the pen or disturbing the sow. This design improves piglet welfare and reduces stress for both animals and staff. The herd expanded from 550 to 1,200 sows by 2009, and the same pen design was retained due to its effectiveness. Most pens installed in Denmark now follow this principle.

Farm Context

• Sows: The farm has 252 pens across three sections of 84 pens each. Pens are designed for zero confinement. Sows enter the farrowing unit approximately one week before expected farrowing. Straw is provided daily in the feed trough. Snout contact with neighboring sows is possible. The genetic line is maintained through own replacement.

• Piglets: Piglets have access to a creep area of approximately 0.65 m² with a heat lamp and rubber mat. Protection devices include rails. No farrowing rings or MamaGuide are used. Piglets are not castrated. Tooth grinding is performed only for litters from parity one sows. Tail docking and iron injections are performed.

• Caretakers: Caretakers follow routines that minimize stress, such as avoiding noise and not entering pens when sows are resting or nursing. Piglets are handled in front of the sow. Sows are injected while loose. Hygiene is maintained with fully slatted floors and daily routines.

Economic Analysis

The practice is nearly cost-free. It reduces time spent handling piglets and minimizes the risk of disease transmission between pens, resulting in labor efficiency and improved biosecurity.

Environmental Analysis

The good practice has no direct environmental impact.

Replicable Benefits and Relevance for Other EU Countries

The placement of the creep area next to the passageway is a practical and scalable solution. It can be implemented regardless of farm size and is relevant for all EU countries transitioning to loose housing systems. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it widely transferable.