Farrowing Crate Reform: Protecting Sows and Piglets

Farrowing crates confine sows during birth and nursing, preventing them from moving freely. Reform efforts seek to balance sow welfare with practical piglet protection in ways that improve outcomes for both.

Key Facts

Standard farrowing crates allow sows to stand and lie but not turn around during the 3-5 week farrowing period
Sweden banned farrowing crates in 1988 and has developed loose farrowing systems as the norm
Loose farrowing systems do show higher piglet crushing rates in some studies but this can be managed through nest design and monitoring
The EU is considering requiring loose or semi-confined farrowing systems by 2030 as part of its farm animal welfare strategy
Some UK retailers have committed to sourcing pork from free farrowing systems

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing crates impose severe movement restriction on sows during a naturally active and behaviorally complex period. Sows in crates cannot root, nest-build, or move freely — behaviors they are strongly motivated to perform before and after birth. The piglet crushing argument for crates has merit — crushing rates are higher in poorly designed loose systems — but good loose farrowing system design can achieve comparable piglet survival while dramatically improving sow welfare. The Swedish example shows this is operationally feasible.

What You Can Do

Choose pork certified to free farrowing standards when available
Advocate for EU and national farrowing crate phase-out timelines with farmer support for transition costs
Support retailers that have committed to free farrowing sourcing
Follow and amplify the work of organizations like Compassion in World Farming on farrowing reform
Ask pork suppliers about their farrowing system plans and current welfare standards