Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Gestation Crates and Sow Welfare

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces too small to turn around, causing chronic physical and psychological suffering.

Key Facts

Gestation crates are approximately 60cm wide - too narrow to turn around
Sows spend approximately 16 weeks per pregnancy in crates in conventional systems
The EU banned gestation crates except for the first 4 weeks of pregnancy in 2013
They remain legal and common in the US, Canada, and parts of Asia
Free-farrowing and loose housing systems exist and are commercially viable

Welfare Considerations

Sows in gestation crates cannot perform basic natural behaviours: turning around, rooting, socialising or walking. This causes severe frustration and stereotypic behaviour such as bar-biting. Muscle wastage occurs from immobility. The scientific consensus is that gestation crates cause significant animal suffering. They represent one of the most welfare-damaging practices in commercial pig farming.

What You Can Do

Choose pork, bacon and ham certified to crate-free or free-range standards
Check supermarket pork sourcing policies and contact those still selling crate-raised pork
Support campaigns by Compassion in World Farming for a global gestation crate ban
Reduce pig meat consumption or choose plant-based alternatives
Advocate for full EU ban and global treaty on gestation crates