Round 2: Top 5 best practices for Ban of Cages topic

Following this stage, the process will move forward to determine the three final winning practices for the Ban of cages category.

Loose until day before farrowing

This farm transitioned from traditional farrowing crates to pens for loose lactating sows in 2023. To balance sow freedom and piglet safety, sows are kept loose and only confined the day before expected farrowing, instead of 1–6 days before as previously practiced. A simple system based on marking sows according to insemination day allows accurate timing of confinement. Sows confined only one day before farrowing had fewer stillborn piglets compared to those confined earlier, with a reduction of 0.5 piglets per litter. At the same time, sow welfare improved, as confinement is limited to one day before and three days after farrowing.

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

This GP focuses on establishing a bond of trust between stockpeople and sows through regular, positive interactions—such as calm talking, scratching, and providing treats like straw or sugar cubes—to ensure the animals remain relaxed and manageable. By socialisingsocializing gilts and sows early on, the farm reduces stress-induced piglet mortality from crushing and creates a safer, more efficient environment for handling, vaccinating, and caring for the animals during farrowing.

Improved Farrowing Outcomes through Modern Free Farrowing Crates and an Optimized Piglet Nest

This GP involves the transition to a free-farrowing system using spacious pens 7.5 m2 that prioritize freedom of movement, supported by a precision-controlled microclimate. By utilizing thermally regulated piglet nests with sensor-adjusted heating and specific attractants like potato starch and red guidance lights, the farm encourages piglets to stay in a safe zone, significantly reducing crushing mortality.

Free-farrowing and wean-to-farrow systems: one space, two functions

Implementing a wean-to-farrow system utilizes spacious free-farrowing pens 7,3 m2 where piglets remain in the same environment from birth until 65 days of age (reaching approximately 28-30kg). By eliminating the physical transfer to post-weaning units, this approach minimizes weaning stress and prevents growth dips, while flip-up crates and geothermal heating adapt the space to the shifting needs of both the sow and the growing litter.  

Smart Piglet Nest with Adaptive Access

The implementation of adaptive piglet nests in loose farrowing pens utilizes a corner-based structure with a transparent glass cover to allow visual inspection from the service corridor without disturbing the sow. A vertically sliding door, controlled by a chain, enables caretakers to dynamically manage the opening according to the piglets' age—keeping it lower in the first days to maximize thermal comfort and safety, then gradually raising it as they grow. This design supports early habituation to human presence and ensures safe, efficient handling for management procedures without the need for staff to enter the sow's area.