Confinement of sows in farrowing crates and early weaning of piglets are two major areas of concern in relation to animal welfare in intensive pig production systems. In this project, two alternative lactation systems in which these potential stressors are absent or reduced were evaluated.

36 sows and litters were used in an experiment to evaluate, from weekly performance records and observations of behaviour, two alternative strategies for housing and management during lactation in comparison with a conventional current system:

• (1) Family system (F): Sows were housed throughout in groups of four with voluntary access farrowing pens. Piglets remained with the sows for 12 weeks and a boar was introduced after 3 weeks to induce oestrus.

• (2) Multisuckling system (M): Sows farrowed in individual crates but were grouped in fours in straw pens after 2 weeks. Piglets remained with the sows for 12 weeks and a boar was introduced after 3 weeks.

• (3) Conventional commercial system (C). Sows remained in part-slatted, unbedded farrowing crates throughout a four week lactation. Piglets weaned into flat decks and transfered after four weeks into fully slatted grower pens.