Group housing of sows in small pens: Advantages, disadvantages and recent research

Public perceptions, particularly misconceptions, of animal husbandry practices, can negatively impact the swine industry. Increased awareness of modern agricultural practices has raised concerns over their impact on food safety, the environment, and animal welfare. Recent activities by retailers, such as fast food restaurants and supermarket chains, as well as animal rights organizations, have increased pressure on various sectors of the agricultural industry to address controversial practices that may affect food safety, the environment, and animal welfare.