
Farrowing pen for loose sows: WELSAFE FLEX
Space-saving farrowing pen for loose sows
In the last two decades, in many countries and production systems all across the globe gestation crates have disappeared to enhance sow welfare. The notion grows that also during lactation a sow must also be able to stretch her legs.
In various countries, legislation has already been accepted in that direction, and it is likely new farrowing crates will have to change design and usage in the European Union by latest 2027. Plenty of reasons therefore to look into alternatives already now. What is the alternative to a traditional farrowing system?
ACO FUNKI offers WELSAFE farrowing pen for loose nursing sows, where the sow is only confined for a few days and has better conditions compared to a traditional farrowing pen. When the piglets are born, they are safe right after birth, while the sow is still confined. After this, they have plenty of space to move around.
If you need to inspect the sow, it is possible to gather all the piglets in the piglet nest. There is a special aisle between the farrowing crate and the piglet nest, so you do not need to enter the area with the sow.
In general, the WELSAFE farrowing pen is all about making the sow comfortable and increase the survival rate of the piglets.
- Swiveling sides allow short-term restraining, it helps to reduce piglets’ mortality
- Height-adjustable barrier plate in the piglet nest
- The sides can also be used as flexible protection during inspection of the sow
- Inspection access between the farrowing crate and the piglet nest - not necessary for employees to come in to the sow
- Good space for milking system for piglets


Download brochure
- Welsafe free farrowing pen (PDF; 699 KB)
- Bioform Corner trough (PDF; 746 KB)