Document type: article published in 3trois3.com
Author: Chambre d'Agriculture Bretagne
Preview: To identify the keys to success for the use of free group housing for sows from weaning to the end of the insemination period, the Chambre d'Agriculture de Bretagne has carried out a survey of farmers who follow this practice. The survey identified three strategies adopted by farmers from the week following weaning:
- LIBIA: Sows are kept in standard insemination sow stalls from weaning until the last insemination. They are then released and grouped within 6 days of the last insemination (15 of 38 farms)
- LIBSEVIA: Sows are free-housed and grouped from weaning, are confined for the duration of the insemination period before being released again. Farmers explained that they take advantage of the stress generated during grouping to bring the sows into heat and facilitate heat detection (mounting others). The sows are confined for around a week during the insemination period, then released immediately or within 6 days at most after the last insemination. (11 of 38 farms)
- LIBSEV: Sows are grouped immediately after weaning and confined for a maximum of half a day to carry out the AI. Sows are grouped throughout the insemination and gestation periods (12 of 38 farms)
Precautions to take when grouping (...)
Advantages and points to watch (...)
