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The aim of this project was to review previously published research with a focus on the effects of farrowing accommodation on piglet performance. The specific design features were analysed to determine whether animals in loose housed farrowing pens or crates from loading to weaning contribute to differences in litter performance obtained from different farrowing house accommodation types. This was the first systematic review and meta-analysis conducted towards the farrowing performance of crates and pens. The relative risk of piglet mortality was 14% higher in farrowing pens than farrowing crates, which indicated that non-confinement of sows compromises post-natal piglet survival. Overall, the type of farrowing accommodation did not affect the number of stillborn piglets. However, the rate of stillborn piglets was lower in farrowing pens that were not enriched when compared with farrowing crates, also with no enrichment. There was no effect of housing type on the number of piglets born alive or the number of piglets weaned, although the sample size for the later was much smaller. Producers should anticipate an increase in mortality when piglets are reared by sows that are unconfined in the pen designs that are currently available, which supports the wider belief that crates are successful for reducing pre-weaning piglet mortality.

There are conflicting reports regarding the effect of farrowing house accommodation on piglet performance. The aim of this investigation was to use a systematic review and meta-analyses to summarise the results of publications that focused on direct …