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From now on, sows in Denmark will be required to be housed loose in the farrowing pens – except for a short period around farrowing itself, when the risk of piglets being crushed is greatest. At the same time, requirements are being placed on the size of the pen, which, among other things, ensures better opportunities for the sow to carry out her natural nesting behavior.
The new executive order, which came into force on 1 January 2026, sets the direction for phasing out the widespread practice of fixing sows in farrowing pens. The use of existing farrowing pens is to be phased out with a transition period of 15 years, so that the scheme does not constitute expropriation.
The rules stem from the animal welfare agreement "Together for Animals", which was concluded by the government on February 9, 2024.
From now on, the sow and piglets must also have at least 6.5 square meters of floor space. In addition, at least 3 square meters of the area must consist of so-called solid or drained flooring, which, among other things, ensures better opportunities for the sow to carry out her natural nest-building behavior.
January 1, 2026/ Ministry of Food and Agriculture/ Denmark.
https://fvm.dk
