Mating and the resultant conception is a critical event in the operation of a pig production unit. The boar's presence is known to influence the reproductive performance of the female pig in several ways, such as the onset of puberty, the weaning-to-conception interval, behavioural oestrus, conception and the number of piglets born in the subsequent litter. To optimise the productive benefits from this interactive process and for ease of husbandry there are several key requirements.

The boar must be housed to maintain his health, welfare and reproductive ability, the newly weaned sow must be aware of the boar's presence and an area must be provided where mating can be successfully executed. Additionally, there are second-order objectives of considerable importance: the easy and clean provision of feed and water, a minimal effort muck removal system, pens which provide easy access for stock and pigmen whilst allowing easy stock transfers. The multiplicity of objectives must be integrated and satisfied in a successful design.