The scientific evidence against gestation crates is overwhelming — they prevent natural behaviour, cause physical damage, and produce measurable chronic stress.
Gestation crates cause suffering through immobilisation, social deprivation, flooring injuries, and chronic psychological frustration. Stereotypic bar-biting in crated sows is one of the most recognisable welfare indicators in intensive farming — so severe and consistent that it shaped the entire field of farm animal welfare science. The commercial case for crates has weakened as group housing technology has improved. Their continued use in several US states and globally reflects regulatory failure, not welfare justification.