July 14, 2009

Funded by Defra, a major new research project looking at welfare-friendly alternatives to the farrowing crate has just got under way.

 

At a cost of GBP690,000 over three years, the study carried out by Newcastle University and SAC Edinburgh will involve one basic prototype layout with four different combinations of design and management and will entail 200 farrowings in the first development phase.

 

A further 300 farrowings will be monitored in the second phase, when the prototype will be compared with standard crate systems on both research farms.

 

The basic design involves a free access 'nest' area, a dunging area and a lockable feeding stall. The nest incorporates particular features such as sloping walls, to help control sow lying behaviour, and a heated creep area, and has been built new at SAC Edinburgh, but as a conversion of an existing crate room at Newcastle.

 

Researchers said the aim of this project is to provide a commercially-viable alternative for indoor producers which will be acceptable in terms of piglet survival, capital cost and ease of management.

 

It is planned to scale-up the best system and test this on commercial farms against conventional farrowing crates.