Farrowing crates confine sows during and after birth, preventing natural behaviors. Free farrowing systems allow movement while protecting piglets from crushing.
Farrowing crates are one of the most welfare-compromising intensive pig husbandry systems. Sows are highly motivated to build nests before birth and experience significant frustration when confined in barren crates. Research shows elevated stress hormones, stereotypic behavior, and impaired maternal bonding in crated sows. Well-designed free farrowing systems including pen-based systems with protective creep areas for piglets can maintain or improve both sow welfare and piglet survival while eliminating one of the worst confinements in animal agriculture.