Farm Animals

Welfare of Pigs in Gestation Crates

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces so small they cannot turn around, causing severe physical and psychological suffering.

Key Facts

Gestation crates measure about 2 x 0.6 meters, barely larger than the pig
Sows spend essentially their entire pregnancy unable to turn around
The EU banned gestation crates except for the first 4 weeks of pregnancy
Many US states have passed ballot initiatives restricting crate use
Alternative group housing systems are increasingly used by progressive producers

Welfare Considerations

Pigs in gestation crates develop severe muscle atrophy, joint problems, pressure sores, and urinary tract infections. More profound is the psychological suffering: pigs are highly intelligent animals who engage in constant stereotypic bar-biting and rooting movements when deprived of movement and enrichment. Evidence of learned helplessness and depression-like states has been documented. This is considered one of the most severe welfare problems in modern agriculture.

What You Can Do

Purchase pork products only from farms certified as crate-free
Support ballot initiatives to ban gestation crates in your state
Choose plant-based protein alternatives
Advocate for federal legislation addressing farm animal welfare