Gestation crates confine pregnant sows for up to 16 weeks in spaces so small they cannot turn around, causing profound welfare harms. Many jurisdictions have now banned them.
Gestation crate confinement prevents the most basic movements including turning around, normal lying positions, and social interaction. Chronic physical restraint causes muscle weakness, joint pain, and skin sores from concrete contact. Stereotypic behaviours — bar biting, sham chewing, rooting on bare floors — occur at high rates and indicate severe frustration. Sows that transition to group housing show measurable improvement in welfare indicators within weeks.