The coming Jan. 1 deadline for the end of dry sow stalls is presenting problems for some
countries. But others have been running loose housing systems for years with good results
by NORMAN DUNN
Animal welfare pressure groups and member governments in the European Union (EU) have decreed that it’s “goodbye” to dry sow stalls as of January next year. Non-restraint group housing of the gestating animals has already been completely introduced in many countries. But, from January on, more floor space per sow will also be written into the EU rule books – from the present 1.84 square metres per sow to 2.25 square metres for groups of up to 39 sows.