REVIEWS: Compilation of the Scientific Literature Comparing Housing Systems for Gestating Sows and Gilts Using Measures of Physiology, Behavior, Performance, and Health

Professional Animal Scientist

Volumn 20, Issue 2, 2004, Pages 105-117

  Mcglone, J J ^a   von Borell, E H ^b   Deen, J ^c   Johnson, A K ^d   Levis, D G ^e   Meunier Salaon, M ^f   Morrow, J ^g   Reeves, D ^h   Salak Johnson, J L ⁱ   Sundberg, P L ^d  

^a TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY   (United States)

^b MARTIN LUTHER UNIVERSITY HALLE WITTENBERG   (Germany)

^c UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA   (United States)

^d NATIONAL PORK BOARD   (United States)

^e OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY   (United States)

^f CEMAGREF   (France)

^g U S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE   (United States)

^h UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA   (United States)

ⁱ UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA CHAMPAIGN   (United States)

Author keywords

Environment; Housing Systems; Sow; Welfare

Indexed keywords

EID: 85008237787     PISSN: 10807446     EISSN: 1525318X     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.15232/S1080-7446(15)31285-7     Document Type: Review

References (75)

1. Anil, L., Anil, S., Deen, J., Relationship between postural behaviour and gestation stall dimensions in relation to sows size. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci, 77, 2002, 173.
2. Arey, D.S., Edwards, S.A., Factors influencing aggression between sows after mixing and the consequences for welfare and production. Livest. Prod. Sci, 56, 1998, 61.
3. Backus, G.B.C., Bokma, I.S., Gommers, T.A., De Koning, R., Roelofs, P.F.M.M., Vermeer, H.M., Farm systems with cubicles, tethered sows and group-housing. In Report P1.61. p 1. Res. Inst. Pig Husbandry, Rosmalen, The Netherlands., 1991.
4. Backus, G.B.C., Vermeer, H.M., Roelofs, P.F.M.M., Vesseur, P.C., Adams, J.H.A.N., Binnendijk, G.P., Smeets, J.J.J., van der Peet-Schwering, C.M.C., van der Wilt, F.J., Comparison of four housing systems for non-lactating sows. In Report P5.1. p 4. Res. Inst. Pig Husbandry, Rosmalen,. The Netherlands, 1997.
5. Barnett, J.L., Hemsworth, P.H., Cronin, G.M., The effect of mating on plasma corticosteroids in the female pig and the influence of individual and group penning. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol, 47, 1982, 516.
6. Barnett, J.L., Hemsworth, P.H., Cronin, G.M., Jongman, E.C., Hutson, G.D., A review of the welfare issues for sows and piglets in relation to housing. Aust. J. Agric. Res, 52, 2001, 1.
7. Barnett, J.L., Hemsworth, P.H., Cronin, G.M., Newman, E.A., McCallum, T.H., Effects of design of individual cage-stalls on the behavioural and physiological responses related to the welfare of pregnant pigs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci, 32, 1991, 23.
8. Barnett, J.L., Hemsworth, P.H., Winfield, C.G., The effects of design of individual stalls on the social behaviour and physiological responses related to the welfare of pregnant pigs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci, 18, 1987, 133.
9. Barnett, J.L., Hemsworth, P.H., Newman, E.A., McCallum, T.H., Winfield, C.G., The effect of design of tether and stall housing on some behavioural and physiological responses related to the welfare of pregnant pigs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci, 24, 1981, 1.
10. Barnett, J.L., Winfield, C.G., Cronin, G.M., Hemsworth, P.M., Dewar, A.M., The effect of individual and group housing on behaviour and physiological responses related to the welfare of pregnant pigs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci, 14, 1985, 149.
11. Becker, B.A., Ford, J.J., Christenson, R.K., Manak, R.C., Hahn, G.L., DeShazer, J.A., Cortisol response of gilts in tether stalls. Anim. Sci, 60, 1985, 264.
12. Bergeron, R., Gonyou, H.W., Eurell, T.E., Behavioral and physiological responses of Meishan, Yorkshire and crossbred gilts to conventional and turn-around gestation stalls. Can. J. Anim. Sci, 76, 1996, 289.
13. Blackshaw, J.K., McVeigh, J.F., Stereotype behaviour in sows and gilts housed in stalls, tethers and groups. In Advances in Animal Welfare Science. M. W. Fox and L. D. Mickley (Eds.). p 163. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, Dordrecht, The Netherlands, 1984.
14. Bokma, I.S., Gommers, A., Hoofs, A., Huysman, C.N., van't Klooster, C.E., de Koning, R., Roelofs, P.F.M.M., Tuininga, J.J., Vermeer, H.M., Praktijkonderzoke naar groepshuisvesting van drachtige zeugen anno 1990 (Aspects of group housing of dry sows). In Proefverslag nummer P1.54. p 12. Rosmalen, The Netherlands, 1990.
15. Boyle, L.A., Leonard, F.C., Lynch, P.B., Brophy, P., Influence of housing systems during gestation on the behaviour and welfare of gilts in farrowing crates. Anim. Sci. 71:561, 2000.
16. Boyle, L.A., Leonard, F.C., Lynch, P.B., Brophy, P., Effect of gestation housing on behaviour and skin lesions of sows in farrowing crates. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci, 76, 2002, 119.
17. Bracke, M.B.M., Spruijt, B.M., Metz, J.H.M., Overall animal welfare reviewed. Part 3: Welfare assessment based on needs and supported by expert opinion. Neth. J. Agric. Sci, 47, 1999, 307.
18. Bracke, M.B.M., Spruijt, B.M., Metz, J.H.M., Schouten, W.G.P., Decision support system for overall welfare assessment in pregnant sows A: Model structure and weighting procedure. J.Anim. Sci, 80, 2002, 1819.
19. Broom, D.M., Mendl, M.T., Zanella, A.J., A comparison of the welfare of sows in different housing conditions. J. Anim. Sci, 61, 1995, 369.
20. Buckner, L.J., Edwards, S.A., Bruce, J.M., Behaviour and shelter use by outdoor sows. Anim. Behav. Sci, 57, 1998, 69.
21. Cariolet, R., Vieuille, C., Morvan, P., Madec, F., Meunier-Salaun, M.-C., Vaudelet, J.C., Courboulay, V., Signoret, J.P., Evaluation du bien-etre chez la truie gestante bloquee: relation entre le bien-etre et la productivite numerique. (Welfare assessment in the pregnant sow kept in stalls and relationship with productivity). J. Rech. Porcine Fr, 29, 1997, 149.
22. Dailey, J.W., McGlone, J.J., Oral/ nasal/facial and other behaviors of sows kept individually outdoors on pasture, soil or indoors in gestation crates. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci, 52, 1997, 25.
23. Dailey, J.W., McGlone, J.J., Pregnant gilt behavior in outdoor and indoor intensive pork production systems. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci, 52, 1997, 45.
24. Den Hartog, L.A., Backus, G.B.C., Vermeer, H.M., Evaluation of housing systems for sows. Anim. Sci, 71, 1993, 1339.
25. Dunn, A.J., Berridge, C.W., Physiological and behavioral responses to corticotropin-releasing factor administration: Is CRF a mediator of anxiety or stress responses?. Brain Res, 15, 1990, 71.
26. Edwards, S.A., Riley, J.E., The application of the electronic identification and computerised feed dispensing system in dry sow housing. News Info, 7, 1986, 295.
27. England, D.C., Spurr, D.T., Litter size of swine confined during gestation. J. Anim.Sci, 28, 1969, 220.
28. Fraser, A.F., Broom, D.M., Farm Animal Behaviour and Welfare. AB International, NewYork, NY, 1990.
29. Gjein, H., Larssen, R.B., Housing of pregnant sows in loose and confined systems-A field study. 2. Claw lesions: morphology, prevalence, location and relation to age. Acta Vet. Scand, 36, 1995, 433.
30. Hansen, L.L., Vestergaard, K., Tethered versus loose sows: Ethological observations and measures of productivity: I. Ethological observations during pregnancy and farrowing. Ann. Rech. Vet, 15, 1984, 245.
31. Janssens, C.J.J.G., Helmond, F.A., Wiegant, V.M., Chronic stress and pituitary-Adrenocortical responses to corticotropin-releasing hormone and vasopressin in female pigs. Eur.J. Endocrinol, 132, 1995, 479.
32. Janssens, C.J.J.G., Helmond, F.A., Wiegant, V.M., The effect of chronic stress on plasma cortisol concentrations in cyclic female pigs depend on the time of day. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol, 12, 1995, 167.
33. Jensen, K.H., Hansen, S.W., Pedersen, L.J., The effect of long-term stress on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis and the role of the stressor. Acta Agric. Scand, 27, 1996, 40.
34. Jensen, K.H., Pedersen, B.K., Pedersen, L.J., Jorgensen, E., Well-being in pregnant sows: Confinement versus group housing with electronic sow feeding. Acta Agric. Scand Sect. A Anim. Sci, 45, 1995, 266.
35. Jensen, A.H., Yen, J.T., Gehring, M.M., Baker, D.H., Becker, D.E., Harmon, B.G., Effects of space restriction and management on pre- and post-puberal response of female swine. Anim. Sci, 31, 1970, 745.
36. Johnson, A.K., Morrow-Tesch, J.L., McGlone, J.J., Behavior and performance of lactating sows and piglets reared indoors and outdoors. Anim. Sci, 79, 2001, 2571.
37. Langendijk, P., Soede, N.M., Bouwman, E.G., Kemp, B., Effects of boar contact and housing conditions on estrus expression in weaned sows. J. Anim. Sci, 78, 2000, 891.
38. Lawrence, A.B., Rushen, J., Stereotypic Animal Behaviour: Fundamentals and Applications to Welfare. Int., Wallingford, England, 1993.
39. Love, R.J., Klupiec, C., Thornton, E.J., Evans, G., An interaction between feeding rate and season affects fertility of sows. Anim. Reprod. Sci, 39, 1995, 275.
40. Madec, F., Cariolet, R., Dantzer, R., Relevance of some behavioural criteria concerning the sow (motor activity and water intake) in intensive pig farming and veterinary practice. Ann. Rech. Vet. (Abs.), 17, 1986, 177.
41. Marchant, J.N., Broom, D.M., Effects of dry sow housing conditions on muscle weight and bone strength. J. Anim.Sci, 62, 1996, 105.
42. Mason, G.J., Forms of stereotypic behavior. Stereotypic Animal Behaviour: Fundamentals and Applications to Welfare. A. B. Lawrence and J. R. Rushen (Eds.). p 7. CAB Int., Oxon, UK, 1993.
43. McGlone, J.J., What is animal welfare? J. Agric. Ethics, 6, 1993, 26.
44. McGlone, J.J., Fullwood, S.D., Behavior, reproduction, and immunity of crated pregnant gilts: Effects of high dietary fiber and rearing environment. J. Anim. Sci, 79, 2001, 1466.
45. McGlone, J.J., Salak-Johnson, J.L., Nicholson, R.I., Hicks, T., Evaluation of crates and girth tethers for sows: Reproductive performance, immunity, behavior and ergonomic measures. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci, 39, 1994, 297.
46. Mendl, M.T., Broom, D.M., Zanella, J., The effects of three types of dry sow housing on sow welfare. Livestock Environment. E. Collins and C. Boon (Eds.). p 461. Am. Soc. Agric. Eng., St. Joseph, MI, 1993.
47. Meunier-Salaun, M.C., Courboulay, V., Pere, M.C., Pol, F., Quesnel, H., Elevage des truies en groupe: acquis et perspectives de recherches. Rech. Porcine en France, 34, 2002, 239.
48. Moberg, G.P., Biological response to stress: Implications for animal welfare. In The Biology of Animal Stress. J. Mench and G. Maberg (Eds.). p 1, 2000.
49. Morris, J.R., Hurnik, J.F., Friendship, R.M., Buhr, M.M., Allen, O.B., The behavior of gestating swine housed in the Hurnik-Morris System. Anim. Sci, 71, 1993, 3280.
50. Mortensen, B., Transpondersystemer til draegtige soer (Electronic sow feeding for pregnant sows). In Report 181. The Natl. Cmte. Pig Breeding,. Health, and Production, Denmark, 1990.
51. Olsson, A.-C., Svendsen, J., Andersson, M., Rantzer, D., Lenkens, P., Group housing systems for sows. I. Electronic dry sow feeding on Swedish farms. An evaluation of the use of the system in practice. Swed. J. Agric. Res, 22, 1992, 153.
52. Peltoniemi, O.A.T., Love, R.J., Heinonen, M., Tuovinen, V., Saloniemi, H., Seasonal and management effects on fertility of the sow: A descriptive study. Anim. Reprod. Sci, 55, 1999, 47.
53. Peltoniemi, O.A.T., Tast, A., Love, R.J., Factors effecting reproduction in the pig: Seasonal effects and restricted feeding of the pregnant gilt and sow. Anim. Reprod. Sci, 60, 2000, 173.
54. Pol, F., Courboulay, V., Cotte, J.P., Martrenchar, A., Hay, M., Mormede, P., Urinary cortisol as an additional tool to assess the welfare of pregnant sows kept in two types of housing. Res, 33, 2002, 12.
55. Rahe, C.H., Jungst, S.B., Marple, D.N., Kuhlers, D.L., Effect of animal density on endocrine development in gilts. J. Anim. Sci, 65, 1987, 439.
56. Rampacek, G.B., Kraeling, R.R., Fonda, E.S., Barb, C.R., Comparison of physiological indicators of chronic stress in confined and nonconfined gilts. J. Anim. Sci, 58, 1984, 401.
57. Rizvi, S., Nicol, C.J., Green, L.E., Risk factors for vulva biting in breeding sows in south-west England. Vet. Rec, 143, 1998, 654.
58. Ruis, A.W., te Brake, H.A., Engle, B., Buist, W.G., Blokhuis, H.J., Koolhaas, J.M., Adaptation to social isolation Acute and long-term stress responses of growing gilts with different coping characteristics. Physiol. Behav, 71, 2001, 541.
59. Schmidt, W.E., Stevenson, J.S., Davis, D.L., Reproductive traits of sows penned individually or in groups until 35 days after breeding. Anim. Sci, 60, 1985, 755.
60. Schouten, W., Rushen, J., Effects of naloxone on stererotypic and normal behaviour of tethered and loose-housed sows. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci, 33, 1992, 17.
61. Selye, H., Stress in Health and Disease. Butterworths, London, England., 33, 1976.
62. Spinka, M., Illmann, G., Algers, B., Stetkova, Z., The role of nursing frequency in milk production in domestic pigs. J. Anim. Sci, 75, 1997, 1223.
63. Spoolder, H.A.M., Burbidge, J.A., Edwards, S.A., Lawrence, A.B., Simmins, P.H., Effects of food level on performance and behaviour of sows in a dynamic group-housing system with electronic feeding. J. Anim. Sci, 65, 1997, 473.
64. SVC. The Welfare of Intensively Kept Pigs. Report of the Scientific Veterinary Committee. European Union. http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/sc/oldcomm4/out17_en.pdf, 1997 Available at, Accessed December 23, 2003.
65. Svendsen, H.A.M., Nielsen, N.C., Bille, N., Riising, H.J., Causes of culling and death in sows (infertility, chronis pyogenic infections). Nord. Veterinaermed, 27, 1975, 604.
66. Terlouw, E.M., Schouten, W.P.G., Ladewig, J., Physiology. In Animal Welfare. C. Apple by and B.O. Hughes (Eds.). p 143. CAB Int., Oxon, New York, 1997.
67. Tober, O., Circadian rhythms of selected behavioural activities of nonlactating sows maintained outdoors. Tierarztl Umsch, 51, 1996, 111.
68. Tsuma, V.T., Einarsson, S., Madej, A., Kindahl, H., Lundeheim, N., Rojkittikhun, T., Endocrine changes during group housing of primiparous sows in early pregnancy. Acta Vet. Scand, 37, 1996, 481.
69. Van Putten, G., andvan de Burgwal, J.A., Vulva biting in group-housed sows: Preliminary report. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci, 26, 1990, 181.
70. Vieuille-Thomas, C., Lepate, G., Signoret, J.P., Stereotypies in pregnant sows: Indications of influence of the housing system on the patterns expressed by the animals. Anim. Behav. Sci, 44, 1995, 19.
71. von Borell, E., Hurnik, J.F., Stereotypic behavior, adrenocorticol function, and open field behavior of individually confined gestating sows. Physiol. Behav, 49, 1991, 709.
72. von Borell, E., Morris, J.R., Hurnik, J.F., Mallard, B.A., Buhr, M.M., The performance of gilts in a new group housing system: Endocrinological and immunological functions. J. Anim. Sci, 70, 1992, 2714.
73. Weary, D.M., Pajor, E.A., Fraser, D., Honkanen, A.M., Sow body movements that crush piglets: A comparison between two types of farrowing accommodation. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci, 49, 1996, 149.
74. Weng, R.C., Edwards, S.A., English, P.R., Behaviour, social interactions and lesion scores of group-housed sows in relation to floor space allowance. 1998. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci, 59, 1998, 307.
75. Zanella, A.J., Broom, D.M., Hunter, J.C., Mendl, M.T., Brain opioid receptors in relation to stereotypies, inactivity and housing in sows. Physiol. Behav, 59, 1996, 769.