ABSTRACT: Cardboard Pigs

Cardboard Pigs – Decision Support Tool is a low-cost, scalable method to support pen design decisions for loose housing of lactating sows, using 1:20 scale cardboard pig models and a checklist.

Type and Average of Pigs on the Farm

The farm maintains approximately 2,800 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

Cardboard Pigs tool includes scale models and a checklist to evaluate pen designs before construction. It enables farmers to visualize and compare layouts, reducing the risk of poor investment decisions. The tool has been adopted by several producers around Europe, with no associated risks or unintended consequences. A digital version is under consideration to further increase accessibility. The tool has improved pig welfare by guiding better-informed pen design choices.

Farm Context

• Sows: The farm uses a newly built facility with 6 sections of 112 pens each. First-parity sows are kept in zero-confinement pens (6.9 m² total area, 1.2 m² piglet area), while older sows are temporarily confined for up to 10 days post-farrowing. Straw is provided 3–4 days before farrowing. Social interaction is allowed via snout contact. Genetic line used is DanBred.

• Piglets: Piglets have access to a heated creep area (1.2 m²) with floor heating and heat lamps. Protection devices include rails; no farrowing rings or MamaGuide are used. Piglet feed is provided in a small trough within the creep area.

• Caretakers: First-parity sows are not confined. Piglets are processed in front of the sow. Castration is performed with local anesthesia and pain relief. Hygiene is maintained by daily cleaning of solid floors. No additional stress-reducing tools are used.

Economic Analysis

The tool is nearly cost-free. Its main economic benefit lies in reducing the risk of poor investment decisions by supporting informed choices in pen design.

Environmental Analysis

The tool helps assess dunging behavior in relation to slatted flooring, indirectly supporting better environmental management.

Replicable Benefits and Relevance for Other EU Countries

The Cardboard Pigs tool is universally applicable, adaptable to all farm sizes and pen designs. It supports the EU-wide transition away from sow confinement by enabling confident investment in loose housing systems. Its simplicity, affordability, and immediate usability make it a highly replicable and scalable solution.