Gestation stalls prevent sows from turning around and are being phased out across the EU and UK in response to clear welfare evidence.
Gestation stall welfare science is unambiguous: confinement that prevents an animal from turning around for weeks or months represents severe behavioral restriction that causes chronic welfare harm. Sows in gestation stalls develop stereotypic behaviors — repetitive, functionless actions including bar-biting — that are behavioral signatures of chronic stress and frustration. Group housing systems that allow movement, social interaction, and limited exercise are significantly better for sow welfare while being commercially viable at scale. Transition to group housing has been demonstrated feasible across many European countries and elsewhere. Remaining challenges include managing aggression in newly formed groups, which requires appropriate space, resources, and management skills.