Pig Farrowing Crate Reform in Europe

Farrowing crates confine sows during and after birth, preventing them from moving freely. Europe is debating phasing them out in favour of welfare-friendly alternatives.

Key Facts

Farrowing crates are banned in Sweden and Norway; the EU is debating a phase-out by 2030
Sows in farrowing crates cannot turn around for up to 5 weeks per litter
Crushing of piglets (overlying) is the main welfare justification for crates
Alternative systems like free-farrowing pens can achieve comparable piglet survival rates
A Danish study found free-farrowing pens with anti-crush rails reduced mortality to crate-comparable levels

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing crates severely restrict sow movement and prevent nest-building behaviour, causing significant frustration and distress. Sows show high motivation to build nests before birth — crates deny this entirely. The welfare trade-off has centred on piglet crushing risk, but research now shows well-designed free-farrowing systems protect piglets without immobilising the sow. Transitioning to free-farrowing requires investment in pen redesign and stockperson training but is achievable at scale.

What You Can Do

Support NGO campaigns advocating for farrowing crate bans in your country
Buy pork from farms certified as using free-farrowing systems
Contact your elected representatives about supporting EU farrowing crate phase-out
Reduce pork consumption to lower demand for intensive farrowing systems
Encourage supermarkets to source pork from free-farrowing certified producers