Stocking Densities

In order to provide a guide for the correct rates of stocking density, this page has been produced based on information provided by customers, Freedom Foods Welfare Standards published by the RSPCA and The Soil Association. All rates are intended as a guide only.

Dry Sows / Serving

As an approximate guide, the industry standard stocking rate for both Serving and Dry Sows is 1.5m2 per adult sow. On our standard equipment this equates to the following:

Based on information from Freedom Foods Weldfare Standards published by the RSPCA, the following points should be noted when calaculating the appropriate stocking density for Dry Sow, Serving & Boar housing.

• As a guide, sows should be given a minimum total floorspace of 3.5m2/sow formature adults, and 2.5m2/sow forfirst and second parity animals, though thismay befractionally altered by exception with the agreement ofthe FreedomFood assessor.
• Lying area should be at least equal tothe square of the length of the pig,which roughly equates to a minimumof 1.5m2 for each adult sow.
• Adult boar pens must be of suchdimensions so as to enable animals toturn round easily and lie fullystretched, and must have a totalminimum lying area of 7.5m2.
• All pigs must be free to turn roundwithout difficulty at all times.
• The dimension of any pen must besuch that the internal area is not lessthan the square of the length of thepig and no internal size is less than 75per cent of the length of the pig.

Farrowing Huts

As a guide, Farrowing Huts are designed to hold a single sow with a litter of pigs up to a commercial weaning weight. This hut however is suitable for holding single sows without litters or alternative multiple sows of smaller breeds. If it is intended to use a farrowing hut for multiple pigs, please note that the standard 2 sheet MK I Farrowing Hut measures 4.13m2, the 3 sheet version 5.90m2 and the Flat Top 4.37m2.

Weaner Housing

For housing weaned pigs from 7kg up to 35kg/40kg we advise an approximate stocking density of 0.26m2 of bedded lying area and 0.14m2 of external run based on the following:

On this basis, our equipment can accommodate the following quantities of pigs from weaning up to 35kg/40kg:

Grower / Finisher Housing

After pigs leave the weaner accommodation at 35kg/40kg, the following stocking guides should be followed:

On this basis, the various equipment options available, based on either the Dry Sow Hut or Serving Hut configurations can accommodate the following quantities of pigs:

Ad-Lib Feeders

Based on information from Freedom Foods Weldfare Standards published by the RSPCA, the following points should be noted when calaculating the appropriate feeder size.

• Livestock must have freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and promote a positive state of well-being. Feed and water must be distributed in such a way that livestock can eat and drink without undue competition.
• Where pigs are not fed on the ground or floor, the feeders must be managed hygienically at all times.
• Sows must be fed in ways which avoid bullying.
• For ration feeding pigs in a trough, there must be enough feeding space (ie 1.1 times shoulder width) for all pigs to feed simultaneously.
• A feed space is described as space required by a single pig whilst eating.
• For ad-lib feeding there must be a maximum of: a) six pigs per feed place - when using a dry feeder with no full head barriers between each feeding place, b) 10 pigs per feed place - where there are full head barriers, c)14 pigs per feed place - wheret here is the opportunity to mix water with the feed (wet & dry feeders)

In most cases, in order to comply with the above guidelines, when using our feeders a ratio of 10 pigs per feed place should be used.

Water Troughs

Based on information from Freedom Foods Weldfare Standards published by the RSPCA, the following points should be noted when calaculating the appropriate supply of water.

• All pigs must have continuous access to an adequate supplyof clean, fresh drinking water each day , except when required by the attendingveterinary surgeon.
• A drinking place is defined as space required by a single pigwhilst drinking.
• One drinking place must be provided per 10 pigs.
• Water troughs, bowls and nipples must be kept thoroughly clean and managed in a way which ensures that they are capable of dispensing water at all times.
• Provision must be made to ensure an emergency supply of suitable drinking water in case normal supplies fail, eg due to freezing, drought, etc.

In most cases, in order to comply with the above guidelines, when using our troughs/tanks a ratio of 10 pigs per drinking place should be used.

Feed/Water Consumption

In an effort to assist selecting the correct size of feeder or water trough/tank, we have developed the following table to be used as an approximate guide to feed and water intake with relation to liveweight and the age in weeks.

Please note that any information provided is intended as a guide only and should be subject to verification by your veterinary consultant.