Many existing sow stall and tether houses, besides not conforming with the Pig Welfare Code are thermally inadequate and require major alterations. A possible alternative system, comprising loose-housed sows with rations allocated from an electronic sow feeder was evaluated.

A building comprising single-skin concrete blocks and insulated roof originally housed 74 dry sows in stalls bedded with straw. The building was gutted and re-fitted to accommodate loose-housed sows. Minimal repairs were undertaken on the concrete floor, and some new blockwork was erected, deep straw was incorporated into the new lying areas.