Additional production data are being collected through
another two reproductive cycles. We are also assessing
the level and nature of injuries at various times during
gestation and lactation in all treatments. Cortisol concentrations
following re-grouping and at several points during
gestation are being determined to assess both acute
and chronic stress. The social behavior of animals during
and subsequent to re-grouping is also being studied to
identify animals at risk. Although all of these measures
need to be considered before making an assessment of
the animals’ welfare, the production results thus far collected
indicate that animals in ESF systems, particularly
mature sows under a post-implantation grouping management
program, can perform as well as (or slightly better)
than those in stalls. Our experience has been that, as when
implementing any new system, it is necessary to identify
problems and implement solutions.