The farrowing cage confines sows during birth and for 4 weeks while nursing, preventing them from turning around. It is one of the most contested practices in pig farming, with UK reform legislation pending.
Farrowing crate welfare impacts on sows are well-documented: frustrated nest-building behaviour (rooting and pawing on bare floors), elevated cortisol, stereotypic bar-biting and reduced maternal bonding. The inability to turn around during a 4-week lactation period represents sustained welfare deprivation. Loose farrowing systems require more skilled stockpersonship to manage piglet crushing risk in the first 72 hours — but evidence shows that with proper pen design and management, piglet mortality is comparable. The welfare cost of the crate to the sow is certain; the welfare benefit to piglets is manageable through design and management improvements. Five EU countries have already banned farrowing crates.