Abstract: It starts with the gilts – Positive interactions with gilts and sows

Type and Average of Pigs on the Farm

The farm maintains approximately 1,200 sows, with 30,000–40,000 weaners and 30,000–40,000 grower-finishers produced annually.

Farming System

Intensive and free-range; organic production system.

Description and Evaluation of the Good Practice

This good practice consists of petting gilts and sows during feeding times. Caretakers walk among the animals while feeding them, petting and talking to them, so animals get used to having people close and being touched. This reduces fear of humans and makes subsequent handling — moving sows, assisting at farrowing, health checks and vaccination — much easier. The practice was developed because sows were too reactive when approached, making it very difficult to check for wounds, count teats, move or vaccinate them. Once the focus shifted to teaching sows that humans are not dangerous, daily work became significantly easier. Petting during feeding is a starting point for a good relationship that is then maintained throughout the sow's time in the herd through talking, providing straw or enrichment, walking into pens, offering a treat and calm handling. It is important that all workers follow the same routine. Interaction with boars is not recommended, as they can be dangerous. The practice was developed in an outdoor production system but can be applied in any herd regardless of pen design.

Farm Context

The practice was developed in an outdoor production system with individual huts per paddock and is applicable to any farm regardless of housing system.

Environmental Analysis

This good practice has no impact on manure management, greenhouse gas emissions, ammonia emissions or water usage.

Replicable Benefits and Relevance for Other EU Countries

This good practice is relevant to all sow herds, whether loose or confined during lactation, as it improves stockperson motivation and safety and reduces sow stress. It is scalable to all farm sizes and can be implemented immediately without any cost. The benefits at herd level will become apparent when all sows have experienced the treatment from gilt stage onwards.