idalivered - 12/5/2012 19:42

I agree with ag judge. I raised hogs until about 18 months ago. I say that gestation stalls are for the benefit of the producer, not the sows. They make life easier for vaccinations , feeding, breeding , etc. but life sucks for the sows. Don't believe me, go to a buying station when these units turn over their sows. No one would treat their dog, horse, milk cow this way. these hogs become junk! these poor animals can hardly walk and lucky if they have 3 good legs between 2 sows. The buying stations end up with a bunch of sows that are "no value".
Their life of inactivity causes all kinds of neuro-muscular problems along with deterorating skeletal problems from no activity. Group housing can be managed for the good of the sows, but it is definitely harder for the producer. Oh yeah, I'm not a liberal or an isu grad.