Gestation Crates for Sows: The Science Behind the Ban

Gestation crates — individual metal stalls that physically prevent sows from turning around — are being phased out across Europe and some US states following welfare evidence.

Key Facts

Gestation crates measure approximately 60cm x 2m — too small for a sow to turn around
They were designed to prevent aggression in group housing, but eliminate most natural behaviours
The EU banned gestation crates except for the first 4 weeks of pregnancy in 2013
Over 70 major food companies including McDonald's and Walmart have committed to phasing out crate pork
Sows in group housing with appropriate management show lower chronic stress markers than crated sows

Welfare Considerations

A gestating sow in a gestation crate can stand up and lie down, but cannot turn around, walk, root, explore, or engage in social interaction. She will spend up to 16 weeks in this state during each pregnancy. Research documents elevated cortisol, stereotypic bar-biting, and muscle wastage in crated sows. The EU transition to group housing required substantial farm investment and management changes, but welfare outcomes have improved markedly in farms with good group housing systems. Some US states have followed; others lag behind.

What You Can Do

Choose pork certified as crate-free or free-range from your retailer or butcher
Ask food service businesses whether their pork supply chain is gestation-crate-free
Support Humane Society and CIWF campaigns for federal legislation banning gestation crates in the US
Eat less pork overall as an immediate personal action aligned with reducing farm animal suffering
Reward retailers who proactively drop crate-sourced pork from their shelves