The use of individual gestation accommodations (IGAs) for dry sows in commercial pork production has raised significant debate, with public perceptions of welfare issues potentially impacting swine production. This nine-member international task force critically evaluates scientific evidence on IGAs for sows, examining behavior, nutrition and feeding, reproduction, health, manure management, worker safety, and system design. The authors find no compelling scientific evidence that either individual or group accommodation is, overall, more appropriate than the other.

Concern for the welfare of farm animals is mounting in the United States. Although many of the issues of agricultural animal welfare probably will be resolved politically, the CAST task force recommends that scientists become involved in clarifying the issue.