Which type of housing is used for sows that are close to giving birth or have recently done so?

Farrowing sow houses are specifically designed to accommodate sows that are close to giving birth or have recently given birth, also known as farrowing. These facilities provide a safe and comfortable environment for the sow, ensuring that she has enough space to deliver her piglets and care for them in the critical early stages of their lives.

Inside farrowing houses, features such as individual pens with adequate bedding, climate control, and access to food and water are essential for the health and well-being of both the mother and her piglets. The design helps minimize stress for the sow and protects the young piglets from potential injury, which can occur in open housing systems.

Understanding the purpose of farrowing houses highlights the importance of specialized facilities in animal husbandry, illustrating how different housing types cater to the specific needs of animals at various life stages. Other types of housing, like nursery houses, gestating sow houses, and finishing houses, serve different purposes and are not suitable for sows during the farrowing process, leading to the conclusion that farrowing sow houses are the correct choice for this scenario.