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System design criteria

How do you design a free farrowing system?

Any system designer should ask the questions who are the main users and what are the main functions? The users are effectively the clients and in the case of livestock systems the clients interacting with the system 100% of the time are the animals, the next largest users are the stockworkers.

So a farrowing system should satisfy the “Triangle of Needs” between the sow, her piglets and the stockworkers.

By returning to first principles and asking what the biological needs of the animals are we can determine which design criteria might meet those needs whilst in the framework of a sustainable farming enterprise.

What are the Biological Needs of the Sow?

Sow needs are likely to change throughout the different phases of farrowing namely; Nest-Building, Farrowing, Early Lactation and Late Lactation.

For Nest-Building the sow needs:

  • Space
  • Substrate
  • Isolation
  • Thermal Comfort

The importance of nest-building is discussed in our Why Free Farrowing pages and our Nest-Building Research pages.

Essentially nest-building behaviour prepares the sow for the farrowing and early lactation phases where she needs:

  • Undisturbed nest site
  • Thermal comfort
  • Udder comfort

During late lactation the sow’s needs change, she requires:

  • Space to gradually reduce contact with her piglets

As part of a successful life history strategy the sow also needs her piglets to survive.

What are the biological needs of the piglets?

Essentially what do they need to survive? Much of their fate will be reliant on good maternal behaviour, therefore design criteria that satisfy the sow’s biological needs are also linked to the piglets.

During Farrowing and Early Lactation the piglets need:

  • Thermal comfort
  • Easy and almost constant udder access
  • Protection

During Late Lactation the piglets’ and sow’s needs become increasingly divergent. The piglets’ need:

  • Thermal comfort
  • Udder access
  • Protection
  • Enrichment (nutritional and environmental)
  • Social integration

What are the needs of the stock worker?

  • Good piglet survival
  • Efficient working environment
  • Safe working environment
  • Cost effective working environment

Our Specific Pen Features pages have recommendations on design criteria that can help achieve these objectives.

For recommendations on how best to manage sows in free farrowing systems and optimise piglet survival please visit Free Farrowing Husbandry.

Further reading

These references are relevant for system design criteria and are arranged in descending date order.

  • Cabezon, F.A., Schinckel, A.P., Smith, A.J., Marchant-Forde, J.N., Johnson, J.S. and Stwalley, R.M., 2017. Initial evaluation of floor cooling on lactating sows under acute heat stress. The Professional Animal Scientist, 33: 254-260. https://doi.org/10.15232/pas.2016-01584
  • Larsen, M.L.V., Thodberg, K. and Pedersen, L.J., 2017. Radiant heat increases piglets’ use of the heated creep area on the critical days after birth. Livestock Science, 201: 74-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2017.05.008
  • Bøe, K.E., Kvaal, I., Hall, E.J.S. and Cronin, G.M., 2016. Individual differences in dunging patterns in loose-housed lactating sows. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A—Animal Science, 66: 221-230. https://doi.org/10.1080/09064702.2017.1335767
  • Perin, J., Gaggini, T.S., Manica, S., Magnabosco, D., Bernardi, M.L., Wentz, I. and Bortolozzo, F.P., 2016. Evaporative snout cooling system on the performance of lactating sows and their litters in a subtropical region. Ciência Rural, 46: 342-347. https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-8478cr20141693
  • Peltoniemi, O.A.T. and Oliviero, C., 2015. Housing, management and environment during farrowing and early lactation. In Farmer, C. (ed) The gestating and lactating sow. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, the Netherlands, pp 77-84. https://doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686-803-2_10
  • Baxter, E.M., Adeleye, O.O., Jack, M.C., Farish, M., Ison, S.H. and Edwards, S.A., 2015. Achieving optimum performance in a loose-housed farrowing system for sows: the effects of space and temperature. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 169: 9-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2015.05.004
  • Larsen, M.L.V. and Pedersen, L.J., 2015. Does light attract piglets to the creep area? Animal, 9: 1032-1037. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731115000257
  • Westin, R., Holmgren, N., Hultgren, J. and Algers, B., 2014. Large quantities of straw at farrowing prevents bruising and increases weight gain in piglets. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 115: 181-190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.04.004
  • Lensink, B.J., Ofner-Schröck, E., Ventorp, M., Zappavigna, P., Flaba, J., Georg, H. and Bizeray-Filoche, D., 2013. Lying and walking surfaces for cattle, pigs and poultry and their impact on health, behaviour and performance. In Livestock housing: Modern management to ensure optimal health and welfare of farm animals. Wageningen Academic Publishers. pp. 2509-2514. https://doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686-771-4_04
  • Pedersen, L.J., Malmkvist, J. and Andersen, H.M.L., 2013. Housing of sows during farrowing: a review on pen design, welfare and productivity. In Livestock housing: Modern management to ensure optimal health and welfare of farm animals. Wageningen Academic Publishers. pp. 285-297. https://doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686-771-4_05
  • Edwards, S.A., Brett, M., Seddon, Y.M., Ross, D., Baxter, E.M., 2012. Evaluation of nest design and nesting substrate options for the PigSAFE free farrowing pen. Proc. British Society of Animal Science, p7.
  • Malmkvist, J., Pedersen, L.J., Kammersgaard, T.S. and Jørgensen, E., 2012. Influence of thermal environment on sows around farrowing and during the lactation period. Journal of Animal Science, 90: 3186-3199. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2011-4342
  • Andersen, H.M.L. and Pedersen, L.J., 2011. The effect of feed trough position on choice of defecation area in farrowing pens by loose sows. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 131: 48-52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2011.01.005
  • Baxter, E.M., Lawrence, A.B. and Edwards, S.A., 2011. Alternative farrowing systems: design criteria for farrowing systems based on the biological needs of sows and piglets. Animal, 5: 580-600. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731111001224
  • Moustsen, V.A., Lahrmann, H.P. and D’Eath, R.B., 2011. Relationship between size and age of modern hyper-prolific crossbred sows. Livestock Science, 141: 272-275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2011.06.008
  • Pedersen, M.L., Moustsen, V.A., Nielsen, M.B.F. and Kristensen, A.R., 2011. Improved udder access prolongs duration of milk letdown and increases piglet weight gain. Livestock Science, 140: 253-261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2011.04.001
  • Damm, B.I., Heiskanen, T., Pedersen, L.J., Jørgensen, E. and Forkman, B., 2010. Sow preferences for farrowing under a cover with and without access to straw. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 126: 97-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2010.06.009
  • Vasdal, G., Glærum, M., Melišová, M., Bøe, K.E., Broom, D.M., and Andersen, I.L., 2010. Increasing the piglets’ use of the creep area – A battle against biology? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 125: 96-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2010.04.010
  • Malmkvist, J., Damgaard, B.M., Pedersen, L.J., Jørgensen, E., Thodberg, K., Chaloupková, H. and Bruckmaier, R.M., 2009. Effects of thermal environment on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones, oxytocin, and behavioural activity in periparturient sows. Journal of Animal Science, 87: 2796-2805. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2008-1592
  • Zoric, M., Nilsson, E., Lundeheim, N. and Wallgren, P., 2009. Incidence of lameness and abrasions in piglets in identical farrowing pens with four different types of floor. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 51: 23. https://doi.org/10.1186/1751-0147-51-23
  • Moustsen, V. and Jensen, T., 2008. Inventar til forbedring af hygiejne i stier til løsgående farende og diegievende søer. Dansk Svineproduktion, Axeltorv, Denmark.
  • Moustsen, V.A., Pedersen, L.J., Jensen, T., 2007. Afprøvning af stikoncepter til løsgående farende og diegivende søer. Meddelelse 805, Dansk Svineproduktion, Axeltorv, Denmark. pp 1-25.
  • Damm, B.I., Moustsen, V., Jørgensen, E., Pedersen, L.J., Heiskanen, T. and Forkman, B., 2006. Sow preferences for walls to lean against when lying down. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 99: 53-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2005.09.014
  • Malmkvist, J., Pedersen, L.J., Damgaard, B.M., Thodberg, K., Jørgensen, E., and Labouriau, R., 2006. Does floor heating around parturition affect the vitality of piglets born to loose housed sows? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 99: 88–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2005.10.007
  • Van Wagenberg, A.V., Van der Peet-Schwering, C.M.C., Binnendijk, G.P. and Claessen, P.J.P.W., 2006. Effect of floor cooling on farrowing sow and litter performance: field experiment under Dutch conditions. Transactions of the ASABE, 49: 1521-1527. https://doi.org/10.13031/2013.22044
  • Moustsen, V.A., and Poulsen, H.L., 2004. Anbefalinger vedr. dimensioner på fareboks og kassesti. Landsudvalget for Svin, Danske Slagterier, Notat nr. 414
  • Herpin, P., Damon, M., and Le Dividich, J., 2002. Development of thermoregulation and neonatal survival in pigs. Livestock Production Science, 78: 25–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-6226(02)00183-5
  • Rantzer, D. and Svendsen, J., 2001. Slatted versus solid floors in the dung area of farrowing pens: Effects on hygiene and pig performance, birth to weaning. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A-Animal Science, 51:167-174. https://doi.org/10.1080/09064700120126
  • Boyle, L.A., Regan, D., Leonard, F.C., Lynch, P.B. and Brophy, P., 2000. The effect of mats on the welfare of sows and piglets in the farrowing house. Animal Welfare, 9: 39-48.
  • Courboulay, V., le Roux, A., Collin, F., Dutertre, C. and Rousseau, P., 2000. Incidence du type de sol en maternite sue le confort de la truie et des porcelets. Journees de Recherche Porcine en France, 32: 115–122. https://ifip.asso.fr/sites/default/files/pdf-documentations/jrp2000c03courboulay.pdf
  • Quiniou, N. and Noblet, J., 1999. Influence of high ambient temperatures on performance of multiparous lactating sows. Journal of Animal Science, 77: 2124-2134. https://doi.org/10.2527/1999.7782124x
  • Hartsock, T.G. and Barczewski, R.A., 1997. Prepartum behaviour in swine: effects of pen size.  Journal of Animal Science, 75: 2899-2904. https://doi.org/10.2527/1997.75112899x
  • Biensen, N.J., Von Borell, E.H. and Ford, S.P., 1996. Effects of space allocation and temperature on periparturient maternal behaviours, steroid concentrations, and piglet growth rates. Journal of Animal Science, 74: 2641-2648. https://doi.org/10.2527/1996.74112641x
  • Black, J.L., Mullan, B.P., Lorschy, M.L. and Giles, L.R., 1993. Lactation in the sow during heat stress. Livestock Production Science, 35:153-170. https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-6226(93)90188-N
  • Arey, D.S., Petchey, A.M. and Fowler, V.R., 1992. The effect of straw on farrowing site choice and nest building behaviour in sows. Animal Science, 54: 129-133. https://doi.org/10.1017/S000335610002064X
  • Hunt, K., and Petchey, A.M., 1987. A study of the environmental preferences of sows around farrowing. Farm Building Progress, 89: 11-14.
  • Stansbury, W.F., McGlone, J.J. and Tribble, L.F., 1987. Effects of season, floor type, air temperature and snout coolers on sow and litter performance. Journal of Animal Science, 65: 1507-1513. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas1987.6561507x
  • Baxter, M.R. and Schwaller, C.E., 1983. Space requirements for sows in confinement. In: Farm animal housing and welfare (eds. S.H. Baxter, M.R. Baxter and J.A.D. MacCormack), Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, The Hague, The Netherlands. pp. 181–195. 
  • Petherick, J.C., 1983. A biological basis for the design of space in livestock housing. In: Farm Animal Housing and Welfare. (eds: S.H. Baxter, M.R. Baxter, and J.A.D. MacCormack). Martinus Nijoff Publisher, The Hague, The Netherlands. pp 103–120.
  • Randall, J.M., Armsby, A.W. and Sharp, J.R., 1983. Cooling gradients across pens in a finishing piggery: II. Effects on excretory behaviour. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 28: 247-259. https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-8634(83)90073-2
  • Mount, L.E., 1968. The climatic physiology of the pig. Edward Arnold, London, UK.
  • Mount, L.E., 1967. The heat loss from new born pigs to the floor. Research in Veterinary Science, 8: 175–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0034-5288(18)34633-2
  • Mount, L.E., 1963. Environmental temperature preferred by the young pig. Nature, 199: 1212-1213. https://doi.org/10.1038/1991212a0