Injuries in confined sows. Incidence and relation with behaviour.

A survey has been carried out to determine if welfare relevant differences could be found between the various systems of individual housing (stalls and tethering by neck collar, neck harness and shoulder girth) for dry sows. The pattern of lesions on the integument has been used as an indicator for well-being. The set up of this way of assessing well-being, called the Ekesbo Method, has been described briefly. Except for neck collar tethering, the sows did not show major differences in lesion level. Neck collar tethering is therefore strongly discouraged. The other systems are, to a large extent, comparable. Yet a number of system dependent differences do occur. Initial adaptation to tethering can be a problem. Also, when the size of the system is not in good harmony with the body size, the number of lesions increased. Shoulder girth, especially in combination with fixing to the partition, slightly hampered the sows when getting up. Also floor design had an influence on the lesion pattern. Poor quality slats induced an increase in the number of lesions. Between full concrete floors and good quality slats no difference could be demonstrated. The Ekesbo Method seems to be a useful way to assess well-being in different environments.