Livestock

Sow Housing Welfare and Gestation Crate Elimination

The elimination of gestation crates for breeding sows is advancing but unevenly, with significant welfare variation between countries and producers.

Key Facts

Gestation crates confine sows individually in spaces too small to turn around
The EU banned gestation crates except for the first four weeks of pregnancy in 2013
The US has no federal ban but many states and major retailers have enacted restrictions
Group housing requires careful management to reduce aggression and injury
Sows in gestation crates show high rates of stereotypic bar-biting indicating frustration

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crate-housed sows cannot walk, turn around, or engage in foraging and nesting behaviors that are strongly motivated. Stereotypic behaviors including bar-biting indicate chronic frustration and psychological suffering. Muscle atrophy and joint problems develop from lack of movement. Sows that cannot perform nesting behavior before farrowing show increased agitation. Even group housing can have poor welfare if space, resources, or management is inadequate.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products from crate-free certified producers
Advocate for complete gestation crate elimination in jurisdictions where they remain legal
Support retailers committing to crate-free pork sourcing
Donate to farm animal welfare organizations working on pig welfare improvement
Engage with food service companies on pork welfare sourcing policies