Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Pork Featured Articles

Better Pork magazine is published bimonthly. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Why do some sows prefer to stay out of their stalls?

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Given a choice, some pregnant sows simply choose to stay in their 26-inch wide gestation stalls, according to research conducted by the Prairie Swine Centre in Saskatchewan, published on the website of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.

The study found that 95 per cent of the sows left their stalls at some point to be in a group area but, over 24 hours, about 40 per cent spent less than two per cent of their time outside the stalls. Other animals spent 80 to 90 per cent of their time outside the stalls in a common area with other gestating animals.

Animal behaviourist Harold Gonyou observed that the sows that stayed out tended to be older, larger sows and that raised some questions. Are the younger sows avoiding these larger animals and staying in their space for protection against bullying? Or are the 26-inch wide stalls too small for the older animals and so they choose to lie down elsewhere? BP

Current Issue

February 2026

Better Pork Magazine

Farms.com Swine News

Canada’s Farm Show Kicks Off in Regina

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Canada’s Farm Show, presented by Bunge, officially kicks off today at 9 a.m. at the REAL District in Regina, Saskatchewan, launching three days of education, innovation and collaboration for the agriculture industry. Running through Thursday, the event is bringing together thousands... Read this article online

Ag in the House: March 9 – 13

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

During question period on March 9, Conservatives took aim at Liberal policies and how these decisions affect everyday Canadians including farmers. Andrew Scheer, for example, said the fuel standard is making life more expensive. “This is effectively another kind of carbon tax, which... Read this article online

How to Avoid Soil Compaction at Spring Planting

Monday, March 16, 2026

Soil compaction is one of the most costly yet overlooked challenges facing cash crop producers. Often described by extension agronomists as a “silent yield robber,” compaction restricts root growth, reduces water infiltration, and limits nutrient uptake—sometimes for years after the damage... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2026 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top