Welfare of Sows in Gestation and Farrowing

Sow welfare spans pregnancy and nursing — both phases raise significant confinement welfare concerns.

Key Facts

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows for 16 weeks in spaces too small to turn around
EU gestation crate ban in 2013 required group housing from 4 weeks post-service until 1 week before farrowing
Farrowing crates confine sows during and after birth for 3-5 weeks
Group gestation with adequate space allows social behavior and reduces stereotypic behaviors significantly

Welfare Considerations

Sow welfare across the reproductive cycle involves two distinct confinement systems with different welfare implications. Gestation crates impose movement restriction during pregnancy — preventing any turning, limited social contact, and high rates of stereotypic behaviors. Group housing with adequate space dramatically improves gestation welfare. Farrowing crates confine sows during and after birth — protecting piglets from crushing while imposing severe movement restriction on the sow. Well-designed loose farrowing systems with appropriate shelter can protect piglets while allowing sow movement and natural nesting behavior.

What You Can Do

Choose pork certified under systems prohibiting gestation crates
Support pork producers transitioning to well-designed loose farrowing systems
Advocate for farrowing system welfare standards that protect both sow and piglet welfare
Engage with the full sow welfare lifecycle in food system discussions