Higher feed levels may be needed to compensate for any environmental deficiencies. No kennels are required in controlled environment houses and straw use can be reduced. Longer barriers may be too narrow for large sows and impede sow movement away from a feeding space if challenged increasing the risk of aggression. Removal of sows may be difficult unless an access gate is provided in each pen. Simultaneous feeding provides a good opportunity to check sows.
Group size is dictated by the number of feeding spaces.
Removal of sows may be difficult unless an access gate is provided in each pen. Sows should be matched for size wherever possible and preferably mixed before introduction to the feeding system. Sow displacement at feeding can occur. To date this has not caused significant aggression problems but feed delivery rate should be modified to suit conditions in biofix or trickle feed systems. It is preferable to have contemporary sow groups i.e. mixed at weaning or over a maximum 2 weeks period.