Guide - Summary
Centre de développement du porc du Québec
Sébastien Turcotte, agr. Gabrielle Dumas, agr., M. Sc.
Date of Publication: 2024-03-31
Elevator Farrowing Crates are a promising tool to reduce piglet crushing
Crushing is one of the leading causes of pre-weaning piglet death. CDPQ researchers evaluated a new technology — the elevator farrowing crate — where the floor beneath the sow automatically rises about 20 cm when she stands or sits up, preventing piglets under 8 days old from sheltering underneath her.
Results showed a significant reduction in crushing deaths — down 11.3% compared to conventional crates. Some tradeoffs were noted: a slight increase in stillborns (+1.9%), lower weaning weight (-0.20 kg), and reduced average daily gain (-11.1 g/day).
On the practical side, keeping the floor raised makes it easier and faster to catch piglets during care and at weaning — a real time-saver for barn staff.
For producers, this technology offers a meaningful reduction in crushing losses. Regular maintenance of the compressor and pneumatic system is needed to keep things running smoothly.