In the Netherlands, about 1.2 million breeding sows are kept for about 3.5 years (eight to nine pregnancy cycles) on average in farming practice. These sows may be exposed to several stressors. With the increasing interest in pig welfare, it is important to investigate these stressors so adjustments …

The number of weaned piglets per sow per year is an important parameter for the productivity of sows in pig production. This number depends on several parameters of which in many cases the sow has a central role. To improve the sow’s reproduction it is important to keep the sow’s body condition optimal. …

Improving estrus detection accuracy could improve sow conception rates,leading to higher production efficiency. Current observation-based estrusdetection practices are labor intensive and less accurate. Around estrus, bodytemperature and activity change. Therefore in this study a telemetric monitoringsystem …