Is your farrowing environment PigSAFE?

We visit Dr Emma Baxter and the SRUC swine herd to see the innovative Piglet and Sow Alternative Farrowing Environment (PigSAFE) in action.
calendar icon 30 May 2019
clock icon 8 minute read
The Pig Site speaks to Dr Emma Baxter about the development of the Piglet and Sow Alternative Farrowing Environment © The Pig Site
Figure 1: the dimensions of the original PigSAFE pen
Figure 1: the dimensions of the original PigSAFE pen

The original design of the PigSAFE pen includes a retractable nest wall and a larger dunging area. A newer design requires less engineering as the nest wall is not retractable, but makes use of a small pop-hole for piglets to move between the nest and the dunging area. © PigSAFE

Dr Emma Baxter explains how the PigSAFE pen provides a safe environment for both the pigs and the stockworkers. She also emphasises the need for the stockworker to get to know the sow as early as possible in order to build trust and allow easy interactions during the farrowing period. © The Pig Site
Dr Emma Baxter explains why the PigSAFE pen encourages safe behaviour from both the sow and her piglets by providing an optimal design that works with the natural instincts of the pigs. © The Pig Site

Emily Houghton

Editor, The Pig Site

Emily Houghton is a Zoology graduate from Cardiff University and was the editor of The Pig Site from October 2017 to May 2020. Emily has worked in livestock husbandry, and has written, conducted and assisted with research projects regarding the synthesis of welfare and productivity of free-range food species.

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