Farrowing Systems

A farrowing system is where a sow gives birth to her piglets and remains with the piglets until they are weaned.

HFAC’s Animal Care Standards state that a sow must be housed in a farrowing environment that is bedded and allows her to turn around. Traditional straight, narrow farrowing crates are not permitted. Farrowing pens of 10 ft x 10 ft (3 m x 3 m) are preferred because they provide more room for the sow to move around, but when using pens of this size or larger, a protected zone (creep space) for piglets must be provided. The protected zone must be at least 8 ft2 (0.8 m2 ) in size and zone heated.

Photos of farrowing systems allowed on the HFAC program follow.