Farrowing crates that confine sows around the time of birth are the subject of intense welfare debate, balancing piglet survival against the fundamental welfare needs of the sow.
The farrowing crate debate represents one of the most contested welfare issues in livestock farming. Sows confined in farrowing crates cannot perform nesting behavior, cannot turn around, and are frustrated by restriction during one of their most highly motivated behavioral periods. Chronic stress from confinement is documented. However, piglet mortality from overlying by sows in loose-housed systems is a genuine welfare concern for piglets. Higher-welfare alternatives including temporary crating for a few days around farrowing followed by loose housing, and well-designed freedom farrowing systems with appropriate nesting materials and safety rails, can reduce both sow and piglet welfare compromise. The Piglet Protection Trust advocates for solutions that protect both sow and piglet welfare simultaneously.