Dossier: Group-housing and mixing of sows
This dossier aims to help Competent Authorities and other stakeholders with issues related to group- housing and mixing of sows.
The dossier is based on EURCAW-Pigs “Review on group-housing and mixing of sows”. Four important key areas challenging the welfare of mixing and group-housing of sows – and therefore important as focus areas for inspections - are highlighted: (1) Mixing of unfamiliar animals, (2) competition for resources, (3) restrictive feeding, and (4) climatic and resting comfort.
Important publications
- Review on group-housing and mixing of sows (version 1.0) EURCAW-Pigs, 2020
- Thematic factsheet on group-housing and mixing of sows, EURCAW-Pigs, 2021
- Council Directive 2008/120/EC laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs EC, 2008
- Council Directive 98/58/EC concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes EC, 1998
Each EURCAW-Pigs dossier addresses the following 5 items: ‘Legislation', ‘Welfare indicators’, ‘Knowledge’, 'Inspiring examples' and 'Training courses'.
Legislation
The legal requirements related to group-housing and mixing of sows can be found in Council Directives 98/58/EC and 2008/120/EC.
Welfare indicators
Animal-based indicators to monitor sow’s welfare related to group-housing and mixing.
Knowledge
Background information and practical knowledge on the welfare of sows related to group housing and mixing, and how welfare problems can be limited in practice.
Inspiring examples
Inspiring examples and demonstrators related to group-housing and mixing of sows.
Training courses
Examples of opportunities for training related to group-housing and mixing of sows.