Abstract: Smart Piglet Nest with Adaptive Access

Type and Average of Pigs on the Farm

The farm maintains approximately 750 sows and 3,000 weaners.

Farming System

Intensive production system.

Description and Evaluation of the Good Practice

This good practice focuses on the design and adaptive use of a piglet nest integrated into loose farrowing pens, improving piglet protection, thermal comfort and handling safety while minimising disturbance of the sow. The nest was designed and progressively refined by the producer based on practical experience. Each nest is located in the corner of the pen adjacent to the service corridor, allowing direct access without entering the sow area. A transparent glass section allows caretakers to inspect piglets without opening the nest or disturbing the sow. The cover is hinged and can be opened from the corridor. A vertically sliding door controls access between the nest and the sow area: kept more closed during the first days after farrowing and progressively raised as piglets grow. This adaptive use reduces crushing risk and improves observation and handling efficiency.

Farm Context

• Sows: The new building has 240 pens organised in sections of 12, with a pen area of 6.25 m² and passageways on two sides. This is a farmer-designed prototype. Sows enter the farrowing unit 5 days before their expected farrowing date and are temporarily confined 5 days before and 3–5 days after farrowing. Paper scraps are provided as nesting material and sows have snout contact with neighbouring sows.
• Piglets: The nest area is 0.72 m² per piglet, equipped with floor heating and a heat lamp for the first 2 days. A vertically adjustable safety door allows piglets to be temporarily confined during handling, and a separate piglet trough is provided.
• Caretakers: All inspection and handling is performed from the corridor through the transparent glass section without opening the nest. No castration is performed; tooth grinding and tail docking are carried out and an iron injection is given. The nest door is adjusted dynamically according to piglet age. The flooring is partially slatted (11% solid) with a slurry pit.

Economic Analysis

The nest did not require substantial additional investment beyond the base housing system. The main economic benefit lies in improved workflow efficiency: the transparent cover allows early problem detection without entering the pen, and the adjustable door reduces crushing risk and the need for repeated interventions.

Environmental Analysis

Specific environmental indicators have not yet been quantified. The nest design is expected to contribute indirectly through improved piglet survival and more targeted cleaning routines. Further monitoring is planned.

Replicable Benefits and Relevance for Other EU Countries

This good practice is based on practical design principles and commonly available materials. It is most easily implemented in new buildings, though the key elements can also be adapted in existing loose farrowing pens. The practice addresses common challenges including piglet protection, caretaker safety and efficient handling under loose housing conditions.