The science exploring alternatives to farrowing crates that protect piglet welfare while improving sow welfare outcomes.
Farrowing system design involves a genuine welfare conflict - sow welfare is significantly better without crates, but piglet crushing mortality increases. Research is focused on system designs that reduce this tradeoff, including nest-building opportunities that encourage careful sow movement, litter rails that protect piglets, and floor designs that reduce thermal gradients. Evidence suggests that with appropriate management and system design, free-farrowing systems can achieve piglet survival rates approaching those of crates. The welfare case for research investment in this area is strong given the scale of sow suffering in conventional crates.