Sow Housing

As swine veterinarians, our mission is to protect and improve the health and well-being of the animal.  Given the variability inherent in different housing systems, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians supports the use of sow housing configurations that:

• Provide every animal with access to appropriate food and water;
• Protect sows and piglets from detrimental effects associated with environmental extremes, particularly temperature extremes;
• Reduce exposure to hazards that result in disease, pain or injury to sows or piglets;
• Allow sows and piglets to express appropriate  behaviors and minimize expression of inappropriate behaviors within the constraints of the  housing type;
• Minimize aggression and competition between sows;
• Promote good air quality and allow proper sanitation; and
• Facilitate evaluation and care of individual animals while protecting worker safety

We strive to foster these essential components where supported by the scientific literature, in all housing systems.  Our goal is to teach and promote appropriate stockmanship, which is as important as housing type in meeting the needs of the animals.