Choosing the Right Group Sow Housing System: A Simple Guide for Your Farm

Switching to group sow housing is a big decision, and with so many system options, it can feel overwhelming. This Prairie Swine Centre decision tree helps cut through the confusion.

The first question is simple: renovate or build new? That answer shapes everything that follows. From there, the key choice is between competitive and non-competitive feeding systems.

Competitive systems (floor feeding or shoulder stalls) cost less to set up but work best with small, uniform groups of 10 to 20 sows. Expect more aggression, body condition variation, and feed waste.

Non-competitive systems (free-access stalls or electronic sow feeding) cost more upfront but deliver more uniform body condition, less feed waste, and better long-term efficiency.

For producers planning ahead, this tool is a great starting point to match your budget, barn, and management style to the right housing system.