Sow and piglet mortality can be reduced by making farrowing crate pens, especially those with slatted floors, more comfortable (Warrington 1997): provide nesting material to reduce piglet chilling as well as reduce injury when the sow lies down; keep pen temperature around 20°C, with no more than a 5°C drop and raise by only 2°C daily after parturition; place pen feeders near waterers which allow sows free access throughout gestation and during farrowing as they are not restricted in moving (e.g. when farrowing)