Evaluation of the relationship between injuries and size of gestation stalls relative to size of sows.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether there is a relationship between sow injuries and size of gestation stalls relative to sow size.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
267 pregnant sows.


METHODS
Sows were randomly selected from 4 swine farms. Sow and stall measurements were obtained, and injuries were scored on the basis of location, number, and depth. Ratios of stall length to sow length and stall width to sow height were calculated.


RESULTS
High injury scores were associated with low ratios of stall length to sow length and stall width to sow height.


CONCLUSIONS
A small increase in stall dimensions could reduce injuries and improve well-being of sows considerably.
D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D001824:Body Constitution; D005260:Female; D006799:Housing, Animal; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013552:Swine / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000293:injuries* / Q000502:physiology