Evaluation of crates and girth tethers for sows: reproductive performance, immunity, behavior and ergonomic measures

An evaluation of reproductive performance, behavior, immunity and ergonomics was conducted for two common sow housing systems: the girth tether and crate. Littermate Yorkshire×Landrace gilts were randomly assigned to either the crate or girth tether system and they remained in that treatment for two consecutive pregnancies and lactations. A total of 171 matings resulted in 141 litters (82.4% farrowing rate). Second parity sows penned in girth tethers had 1.5 fewer piglets born and 1.3 fewer piglets weaned than sows in the crate system ( P P P P P