Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces too small to turn around for months at a time. The science and ethics of this practice are at the center of farm animal welfare debates.
Gestation crates cause severe welfare harm through near-total physical restriction for extended periods. Sows cannot stand fully, turn around, or engage in any of their natural behaviors including rooting, foraging, and social interaction. Research consistently shows elevated stress hormones, stereotypic bar-biting, and physical deterioration including muscle wastage and joint problems in crated sows. The scientific consensus is that gestation crate housing causes suffering. Group housing with appropriate management — space, enrichment, and feeding management to reduce aggression — provides dramatically better welfare outcomes. The industry's resistance to transition reflects cost rather than scientific uncertainty.