Not all hut types were evaluated every year, as some were added when they came on the market. A total of 279 litters in seven hut types were evaluated. The rate of pigs that died from crushing 10 to 14 days after birth ranged from 7 percent to 21 percent. Generally, huts with more square feet of floor space had lower pig crushing losses. We studied only first-litter gilts.
Floor space is probably even more crucial for older, larger sows.
More space comes at a price. Honeyman compared costs of the seven hut types, and found that the higher-priced ones are frequently those with more space and lower crushing losses.