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

Type and Average of Pigs on the Farm

The farm maintains approximately 1,870 sows plus 100 gilts, with 3,600 weaners produced annually.

Farming System

Intensive production system.

Description and Evaluation of the Good Practice

In 2021 the farm transitioned from traditional farrowing crates to modern free farrowing crates to improve animal welfare. Sows were initially confined 2 days before and 3 days after farrowing; since early 2025 the farm has transitioned to zero confinement. This reduced piglet mortality by 3–4% and decreased the need for sow medication. During hot spells mortality can rise by up to 4%. A key innovation is a thermally controlled piglet nest whose temperature is continuously adjusted by sensors. The room is kept at 22°C before farrowing and lowered to 18°C afterwards to encourage piglets to use the warm nest. A red night light guides piglets into the nest during nighttime farrowing, preventing crushing. The nest floor is covered with potato flour to increase piglets' motivation to drink and support gut health. After the first week, piglets receive supplementary milk from an automated feeder. Because the nest is highly attractive, piglets return to the sow only for suckling, making management procedures easy and improving work safety.

Farm Context

• Sows: The existing building was retrofitted in 2021 and now has 500 pens with an area of 7.5 m² each, with a passageway on one side and the feeder and piglet area next to the passageway. Sows enter the farrowing unit 3–7 days before their expected farrowing date, and the farm is currently transitioning from temporary confinement to zero confinement (from 2025). Straw and sawdust are provided as nesting material throughout the time in the farrowing unit, replenished via a rack at approximately 2.5 kg per pen. Sows have snout contact with neighbouring sows.
• Piglets: The piglet area totals 1.5 m² and is equipped with a sensor-controlled microclimate system and a heat lamp. The nest floor is covered with potato flour, and an automated milk feeder is available from week 2. At weaning, the sow is removed first and piglets remain in the same pen for 5 extra days.
• Caretakers: Piglets are handled from the corridor and processed in front of the sow. No tooth grinding or tail docking is performed; an iron injection is given. The adjustable crate gate is used to guide the sow safely during injection, and straw is thrown to the floor to distract her. The flooring is partially slatted, and the slurry solid fraction is supplied to an energy company for biogas conversion.

Economic Analysis

Upgrade cost was €2,000 per sow pen in 2021. Since the transition, mortality has decreased by approximately 3–4% and antibiotic usage has been reduced. No change was detected in the number of born or weaned piglets.

Environmental Analysis

The farm generates 15,000 m³ of slurry annually; the solid fraction is used for biogas production and the liquid component applied as fertilizer. The farm uses solar panels for electricity and is fully self-powered for part of the year.

Replicable Benefits and Relevance for Other EU Countries

This practice is compatible with both new constructions and retrofits and does not require full structural overhauls. Management routines are easily trainable and independent of country-specific conditions. The approach aligns with the EU transition away from permanent confinement.