Group Mating System for Rearing Pigs: A Family-Based Approach

The family way of raising pigs is a unique rearing system that involves group mating lactating sows. In this system, piglets are placed in groups or families and are exposed to alternating boars. The sow farrowing process occurs in individual pens, and after 3-5 weeks, a family is formed with 3-10 sows and their litters, minimizing the age differences among piglets. The sows are initially moved to a common pen to establish a new hierarchy, followed by their piglets. The introduction of a breeding boar typically occurs the next day, with regular changes every 1-3 days. The presence of boars in group housing triggers lactation heat in sows, leading to a high pregnancy rate of over 70% within the family unit.