Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces too small to turn around for up to 16 weeks per pregnancy, and while bans and voluntary phase-outs have progressed in some regions, crate use remains widespread globally.
Gestation crate reform represents one of the most significant farm animal welfare policy successes of recent decades, but implementation has lagged far behind stated commitments. The welfare case against gestation crates is scientifically clear: confining a highly mobile, intelligent animal in a space where she cannot turn around for months at a time causes chronic frustration, muscle weakness, cardiovascular deconditioning, and psychological distress. The alternative — group housing with appropriate space, feeding stations, and management — is feasible and increasingly common in forward-looking operations. Consumer and retailer pressure for crate-free commitments must be matched by monitoring and enforcement to deliver real welfare change.