A project being conducted on behalf of Swine Innovation Porc is compiling information to assist pork producers planning to convert sow barns to group housing.
In response to changes in housing requirements for gestating sows, under Canada’s revised Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs, swine research facilities across Canada, in partnership with Swine Innovation Porc, are working with individual producers through their conversions to group housing and documenting those conversions.
Four primary conversions, two of which have been completed, are being fully monitored and documented and 10 completed secondary conversions, 7 of which have already been identified, are being assessed and documented.
Dr. Jenifer Brown, a research scientist ethology with the Prairie Swine Centre, says the focus is on providing information producers can use when considering a renovation.
We’re trying to compile all the best science on how to manage sows in groups as well as providing some really good examples of producers who have actually gone with these changes and actually documenting the costs involved so that other producers can have a clear idea of what’s involved in this transition.
The information will hopefully be used by the swine industry as people are looking to make a change to group sow housing and moving away from stalls. We’re hoping to be able to provide the information that’s needed, both scientific and real world examples to help producers make these decisions.
The information will be available on a website. We’ll also be presenting at producer meetings across the country. Currently through the Prairie Swine Centre’s website, we have a number of articles already available and then newsletters describing the activities of the project.
Dr. Brown notes scientists are seeking 2 more primary sites for conversion and documentation and additional sites which have been converted.
More information can be obtained through the Prairie Swine Centre.
