Farrowing crates confine sows during and after birth to reduce piglet crushing, but prevent maternal behaviors and cause significant welfare compromise, driving development of alternative farrowing systems.
Farrowing crate confinement prevents sows from performing the intensive nesting behavior they are strongly motivated to carry out before birth. The frustration of this motivation causes measurable stress, and the inability to move normally causes physical discomfort. Free farrowing systems can achieve similar piglet survival rates with careful design and management.