Pig Gestation Crates: Welfare Science and Reform

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows so narrowly they cannot turn around, causing chronic physical and psychological suffering; bans and alternatives are expanding globally.

Key Facts

Over 6 million breeding sows in the US are kept in gestation crates for most of their lives
Gestation crates measure approximately 2 x 0.6 meters, preventing sows from turning around
The EU banned gestation crates except for the first four weeks after mating in 2013
All major US pork retailers and food companies have announced phase-out commitments
Group housing systems with electronic feeding stations allow individual nutrition management

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crates represent one of the most thoroughly documented welfare failures in intensive animal agriculture. Sows kept in individual stalls for months cannot perform basic natural behaviors including turning around, socializing, rooting, or nesting. Stereotypic bar-biting behavior, a sign of severe psychological frustration, is nearly universal in crated sows. Cardiovascular fitness declines, muscle atrophy occurs, and chronic psychological distress is well-documented. Group housing systems with electronic sow feeders have demonstrated that the welfare improvements of crate elimination can be achieved while maintaining production performance.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products from facilities that have eliminated gestation crates
Support retailers and food companies that have publicly committed to gestation-crate-free sourcing
Advocate for legislative bans on gestation crates in your jurisdiction
Reduce pork consumption or shift to products from higher welfare-certified farms
Support organizations monitoring and enforcing gestation crate phase-out commitments