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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 November 2017
Dynamic grouping systems for sows involve the regular replacement of sows which are due to farrow with those that have just been mated. Evidence suggests that newly-introduced sows are often subjected to high levels of aggression from ‘resident’ sows in dynamic groups (O’Connell et al., 2003). In addition, newly-introduced sows often appear intimidated from using kennel areas and are forced to lie on less-preferred slatted dunging areas (Moore et al., 1993). The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of replacing 10, 20, 30 or 40 percent of a group of forty sows on the welfare of sows newly-introduced to the group.