Farmed Animals

Sow Gestation Crates: Welfare Evidence and Reforms

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces barely larger than their bodies; welfare evidence drove major corporate and legislative reforms.

Key Facts

Standard gestation crates are 60x220 cm — too small to turn around
Sows in crates develop muscle atrophy and bone weakness
Over 9 in 10 US sows were housed in crates before welfare campaigns began
Major retailers including Walmart and Costco have committed to crate-free pork

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crates prevent the most basic movements for months at a time, causing muscular atrophy, joint pain, and profound psychological distress. Stereotypic bar-biting behavior is common. Group housing systems allow sows to move, socialize, and exhibit natural behaviors. EU bans and US state laws have driven improvements but enforcement remains inconsistent.

What You Can Do

Choose pork certified gestation crate-free
Support legislation banning gestation crates
Hold retailers accountable to crate-free commitments
Reduce pork consumption from industrial sources