Sow Welfare: Gestation Crates, Farrowing, and Pain

Pregnant sows in intensive pig farming are frequently confined in gestation crates too small to turn around. This practice — banned in the EU but widespread globally — causes severe welfare harm.

Key Facts

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows individually in metal stalls approximately 60 cm wide
The EU and UK banned gestation crate confinement beyond four weeks after mating in 2013
The US, Canada, and many other major pork producers still use gestation crates extensively
Sows kept in crates develop stereotypies including bar-biting and rooting on concrete floors
Sows are among the most intelligent domesticated animals, capable of complex learning and problem-solving
Alternative group housing systems can maintain productivity while improving welfare significantly

Welfare Considerations

Sows in gestation crates cannot turn around, perform natural nesting behaviour, or engage in social interaction — all highly motivated behaviours whose prevention causes significant psychological distress. Chronic confinement causes muscle atrophy, joint damage, and stereotypic behaviour indicating frustrated motivation. During farrowing (birth), sows are moved to farrowing crates to prevent piglet crushing, but these also prevent natural nesting behaviour. The frustration of nesting motivation before farrowing is a significant acute welfare harm. Countries that have banned gestation crates have demonstrated that welfare improvements are achievable without production losses.

What You Can Do

Avoid pork and pork products from countries where gestation crates remain standard
Support consumer campaigns and corporate commitments to gestation crate-free supply chains
Advocate for mandatory gestation crate bans in US and other major pork producing countries
Choose higher-welfare pork certified to standards that include gestation crate-free requirements