The beauty of farrowing crates
THE
majority of sows are housed in farrowing crates from approximately ive days before they are due to give birth until their piglets are weaned at approximately 28 days of age.
Why was the farrowing crate invented?
To reduce piglet mortality. The farrowing crate was irst introduced in the 1960s and its main purpose was to lower the risk of piglets being crushed by the sow by controlling her movements, particularly when lying down.
What are the advantages of the farrowing crate?
In addition to reducing the risk of crushing, the farrowing crate has become the main form of maternity housing for pigs because it has the following advantages:
w ECONOMICAL: Compared to most indoor alternatives the farrowing crate is relatively economical
w SPACE SAVING: A typical farrowing crate can it into a loor footprint of only 3.6 square metres per sow and litter.
w EFFICIENT: The farrowing crate allows ef icient working conditions as they are usually built on fully or partially slatted loors facilitating relatively high levels of hygiene and minimal mucking out.
w SAFE: As the sow is constrained to the dimensions of the crate (typically 2.2m x 0.50m) this affords relatively safe conditions for stockpeople, especially when having to handle piglets. Farrowing crates are considered to be economical, ef icient and safe with maximising piglet survival as a main aim.
How it bene it sows…
The beauty of farrowing crates is that it provides maternal boarding. Sows can become aggressive and possibly attack each other. These attacks can cause death or some serious injuries. When placed in open pens or pastures sows can become cannibalistic and eat another sow’s piglets and they will often ight for dominance. Farrowing crates will provide constant access to feed and water which increases their comfort level while giving them a stress free environment.
It will also bene it piglets too…
When its time for sows to have their babies the sows weigh around 200kg. When the baby pigs are born they can weigh around 2Kg. The farrowing crates help to protect the piglets from getting stomped or laid on by the sows, which could cause death for the piglets. This is why the farrowing crates have angled, vertical bars so the sows can lie down and stand up without killing the piglets. The sows will lay down to rest and get up to eat. On average pigs will sleep twenty-one hours a day. The farrowing crates have space on both sides for piglets to rest or nurse.
It’s not only about protecting sow/ piglets but farmers too…
When sows are ready to have their babies they can become aggressive so the famers need to protect themselves. The farrowing crates not only protect farmers, but it makes it easier for them to monitor the birthing process. The farrowing crates make it easier for the farmer to manually assist the sow if she has trouble or becomes distressed while birthing her babies. Sows often become lazy while farrowing and the farmer may have to get in the crate to make sure that the babies are safe after they’re born. Making sure that the sow is lactating is very important along with making sure she is eating and drinking.
Oh then there’s environment…
The farrowing crates should be inside so that protects the sows and the piglets from the environment. The loor helps the pigs stay dry and that will increase their chances of staying healthy and disease free. The farrowing crates are a win-win situation because it provides a cooler area for the sows and warm areas on the side of the crates for the piglets. The crates usually have heat lamps on the side to provide warmth and a dry environment. The farrowing crates are designed to provide a protective environment and the health of the sows and the piglets.