Pig pen stocking rates

Pigs need enough space to access feed and water, sleep and defecate. The stocking rate is the number of pigs you may house in any given area, under the pig welfare code.

Stocking rates

Stocking rates are legally binding minimums, calculated using use a formula based on live weight. This way, pigs can grow into their space during a specific weight range.

Stocking rates for growers in all indoor systems (except deep litter) are:

• 0.22m²/pig for pigs averaging 20kg liveweight
• 0.47m²/pig for 60kg
• 0.66m²/pig for 100kg.

In general, your pigs should have a little more space than these minimums to cater for seasonal changes.

You may also decide to provide more space for your particular herd situation based on:

• group size
• pen size
• breed
• reproductive stage
• temperature
• ventilation.

Read  the pig welfare code for more information on minimum space requirements for:

• weaners, growers and finishers
• gilts, sows and boars
• deep litter housing
• shelters for outdoor pigs.

Managing aggressive behaviour

Allocate more space for your pigs to account for persistent aggressive behaviour between pigs in group housing, such as groups of less than 10 sows.

The pig welfare code sets out guidelines to reduce aggression:

• culling aggressive breeder animals
• keeping groups stable
• keeping the number of pigs per feeding and watering point low (reduces competition)
• minimising the mixing of unfamiliar pigs
• providing escape areas for bullied animals
• staggering the introduction of unfamiliar groups over a long period.