Detailed research carried out at the National Pig Centre (NPC), in Leeds, has shown that temporary crating of sows can improve piglet survival to weaning, in comparison to loose housing. The research also found there was no discernible difference in sow welfare between loose-housed systems and various forms of temporary crating. The findings, published in January in Science Direct, shed new light on managing the transition to flexible farrowing systems, where sows are only confined for a few days, concluding that temporary crating provides a viable alternative to the farrowing crate. The NPC, with indoor and outdoor herds operating on…