The farrowing period, when sows give birth and nurse piglets, is the most welfare-critical phase of pig production for both sows and their offspring.
The farrowing crate prevents the sow from performing the nesting behavior she is strongly motivated to express, causing significant frustration. She cannot turn, root, or build a nest. For 3-5 weeks she remains essentially immobile. Piglet crushing is a genuine concern in loose systems but is manageable through appropriate pen design, nest structures, and stockpersonship. The welfare cost to the sow in crates is substantial and persistent. The momentum globally is toward freedom farrowing systems that protect piglet welfare while allowing sow movement.