Gestation crates confine pregnant sows for much of their reproductive lives in spaces too small to turn around, and remain standard practice in major pork-producing countries.
Gestation crate confinement is one of the most studied farm animal welfare issues, with overwhelming evidence of suffering. Sows cannot turn around, engage in rooting or nesting, or form social relationships. Stereotypic behaviors — bar-biting, head-weaving — indicate severe frustration. Muscular atrophy from immobility causes physical pain. The cognitive sophistication of pigs makes their subjective experience of confinement particularly significant. US commitments to phase out crates have proceeded very slowly; consumer pressure on food companies with pork supply chains has been more effective than regulatory change.