Have Your Say: AFBI Invites Farmer Input on Alternative Farrowing Research
Date published:
An AFBI-led research project is supporting Northern Ireland pig farmers address the challenge of transitioning away from traditional farrowing crates, while maintaining productivity, profitability and environmental sustainability.
The DAERA-funded project, ALTFARROWNI – Alternative farrowing methods and their impact for the NI industry, aims to provide farmers and policymakers with clear, practical evidence on which alternative farrowing systems are best suited to Northern Ireland conditions and how to manage them effectively.
Across Europe and Great Britain, there is a growing momentum toward loose or alternative farrowing systems to improve sow welfare. However, these systems can present challenges if poorly designed or managed, including higher piglet losses, increased costs and a larger environmental footprint. ALTFARROW NI is designed to ensure that any transition in Northern Ireland is based on robust evidence rather than trial and error.
AFBI will evaluate the economic and environmental impact of different systems, including the effects of reproductive and litter performance, sow numbers, space and feed requirements, and energy use. Both retrofit and new‑build options will be examined to reflect real farm decision-making. A full review of existing knowledge on how different alternative farrowing systems affect both sow and pig welfare is currently ongoing.
The project will draw on scientific research, commercial farm experience and expert knowledge from AFBI, Great Britain and Europe to ensure local farmers benefit from lessons already learned elsewhere.
Because the Northern Ireland context is unique — with planning constraints, climate, feed and straw availability, and limited access to premium high-welfare markets — the project will engage closely with farmers, industry stakeholders and policymakers to identify which farrowing systems are genuinely workable and appropriate here.
Where gaps exist, AFBI will aim to carry out targeted research to better understand how critical factors (e.g. management decisions or pen design) — influence piglet survival, production efficiency and welfare.
Pre‑weaning piglet mortality currently costs the NI industry around £2 million a year, and poorly functioning alternative systems can increase losses by more than 20%. However, comparable sow and litter performance can be achieved using well-designed and managed alternative farrowing systems. By helping producers select and manage the right system, the project aims to support a transition that protects productivity, improves pig welfare and maintains environmental performance.
Dr Ramon Muns, Head of the Monogastric Research Unit at AFBI Hillsborough said:
“Pig farmers are facing a major change, and it’s essential that this transition is supported with practical, reliable information. Our goal is to help ensure that farms do not suffer avoidable losses or welfare setbacks because of incomplete or misleading guidance. We want to support a move to systems that are workable, sustainable and suited to the realities of pig production in Northern Ireland.”
To inform the research, AFBI is inviting Northern Ireland pig farmers to share their experiences. To register your interest in being involved in a discussion group or survey please email altfarrow@afbini.gov.uk
Dr. Stephanie Buijs, Head of the Animal Welfare Unit at AFBI said:
“We want this project to reflect real farm challenges, not theory. Farmers know better than anyone the difficulties they face on the ground. By sharing your experience, you can help shape guidance that genuinely supports Northern Ireland producers through this transition.”
Notes to editors:
AFBI is an arms-length body of DAERA delivering research and development, diagnostic and analytical testing, emergency response capability and expert scientific advice for DAERA and other government departments, public bodies and commercial companies in Northern Ireland, and further afield.
AFBI’s Vision is “Scientific excellence delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes for society, economy and the natural environment”.
AFBI’s Purpose is to deliver trusted, independent research, statutory & surveillance science, and expert advice that addresses local and global challenges, informs government policy and industry decision making, and underpins a sustainable agri-food industry and the natural and marine environments.
AFBI’s strategic priorities:
- Leading improvements in the agri-food industry to enhance its sustainability;
- Protecting animal, plant and human health;
- Enhancing the natural and marine environment;
- Delivering quality outcomes and impact;
- Enabling world class science through excellence in people, places & technology.
All enquires to AFBI Press Office (afbi.press-office@afbini.gov.uk)