Table 1 A comparison of items in the EU legislation concerning the welfare of sows and gilts and conditions for sows and gilts in the studied herd
Parameter | Mating unit (deep straw bed) | Gestation System I (deep straw bed) | Gestation System II (pen) | Reference EU- legislation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Minimum unobstructed floor space per gilt/ sow | 3.9 m2 | 3.9 m2 | 3.1 m2; 8 sows 2.5 m2; 10 sows | Gilts after service > 1.64 m2 Gilts and sows in groups 2.25 m2 < 6 animals: + 10% > 40 animals: − 10% |
Solid floor for gestating gilts and sows | 3.9 m2, | 3.9 m2 | 2.4 m2; 8 sows 1.9 m2; 10 sows | > 0.95 m2 per gilt > 1.3 m2 per sow |
Drainage opening | - | - | - | Max 15% |
Slats for gestating gilts and sows | - | - | Gap width: 20 mm Slat width: 80 mm | Gap width: 20 mm Slat width: 80 mm |
Manipulable material | Straw bedding | Straw bedding | Straw: 0.75–0.94 kg per day and sow | Permanent access for sows and gilts |
Feed | Free access stalls, physical separation during feeding, liquid feeding system | Free access stalls, physical separation during feeding, liquid feeding system | Drop feeding, feeding area per sow: 0.22–0.27 m2, no physical separation during feeding, liquid feeding system | Sufficient of bulky high-fibre food as well as high-energy food for each individual |
Feeding | Twice a day | Twice a day | Twice a day | At least once per day |
Drinking water | Permanent access. Two cups/40 sows | Permanent access. Two cups/40 sows | Permanent access.Nipple drinker | Permanent access to fresh water |
Water flow | 4 L per minute | 4 L per minute | 4 L per minute | - |
Diseased/ injured pigs in group housing | Sick bay available | Sick bay available | Sick bay available | May be housed individually in sick bay, should be able to turn around |
Continuous noise levels | < 80dB | < 70dB | < 75dB | < 85 dB |