Sow farrowing is one of the most welfare-critical moments in pig production. Understanding the science of natural farrowing behaviour informs better housing design and management.
The farrowing crate is one of the most welfare-compromising standard practices in commercial pig production. Sows are intensely motivated to build nests before birth; confinement in a space too small to turn around prevents this fundamental behaviour, causing acute frustration and psychological distress at one of the most physiologically demanding moments of their lives. The rationale for crate use — reducing piglet crushing deaths — is legitimate but increasingly addressed by free-farrowing system design that maintains sow movement while reducing crushing risk through physical barriers, sloped pen sides, and improved management. The welfare science supports moving away from crates wherever free-farrowing alternatives are properly implemented; the barriers are economic and managerial rather than technical.