Document type : guide to the CIWF France recommendations
Preview: Farrowing cage Most sows farrow in cages, originally designed to reduce the risk of piglet crushing by limiting the sow's movements, especially when lying down. Farrowing cages limit the sows' most basic behaviours; they are unable to turn around, walk, build their nest or create a good maternal bond with their piglets. In addition, the risk of piglets being stillborn or attacked by their mothers (especially gilts) is increased in these systems, and piglet behaviour is severely restricted due to the impoverished environment. Despite many years of research on alternative farrowing systems, clear recommendations for commercially viable alternatives have been limited until recently. Alternatives to farrowing cages that are feasible in practice are now being developed and some are already in use in farming. The most comprehensive overview of the current situation can be found at www.freefarrowing.org.uk produced by Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) and the University of Newcastle. This brochure in French summarises some of the information provided on the website, particularly with regard to the main features in farrowing housing that contribute to the welfare of sows and their piglets, and assesses a number of individual systems. Links to the FreeFarrowing website and other resources are provided throughout the document. However, for the latest product data and costs, please contact the relevant manufacturers. CIWF has assessed a number of these out-of-cage systems based on their key features.
