Uploaded July 2013 | Updated September 2026, 57 minutes ago
Individual maternity pens (IMP) house sows during the most vulnerable duration of their pregnancy. IMPs protect sows from other animals. In group-housing situations, pregnant sows often fight for food and dominance, resulting in higher rates of injury to less dominant animals. Group housing was abandoned by much of the industry several decades ago at the advice of veterinarians and animal welfare advocates.
Individual maternity pens (IMP) house sows during the most vulnerable duration of their pregnancy. IMPs protect sows from other animals. In group-housing situations, pregnant sows often fight for food and dominance, resulting in higher rates of injury to less dominant animals. Group housing was abandoned by much of the industry several decades ago at the advice of veterinarians and animal welfare advocates.
