Gestation Crate Phase-Out and Pig Welfare

The global campaign to phase out gestation crates for pregnant sows represents one of the most significant ongoing welfare advances in commercial pig farming.

Key Facts

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows individually in spaces approximately 60 x 200 cm for most of their pregnancy
The EU banned the use of gestation crates beyond four weeks post-mating from 2013
Gestation crates prevent all natural behaviours including turning around, rooting, and social interaction
California Proposition 12 requires pork sold in California to come from sow-housing-compliant farms
Group housing for sows requires careful management of aggression, particularly at feeding time

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crate confinement causes one of the most severe and prolonged welfare compromises in any livestock system. Sows are unable to perform any meaningful natural behaviour and show extreme frustration through stereotypic bar-biting and rooting movements. The EU phase-out represents a significant welfare advance, though compliance monitoring is imperfect. Group housing introduces its own welfare challenges, particularly aggression around feed access, but allows a fundamentally more welfare-positive environment when well managed. Consumer preference and retailer commitments have driven phase-out in many markets beyond regulatory requirements, demonstrating the power of market-based welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products from suppliers that have publicly committed to gestation crate-free sourcing
Support campaigns for mandatory gestation crate phase-outs in countries that still permit them without time limits
Engage retailers and food service companies about their gestation crate-free commitments and timelines
Advocate for robust monitoring and enforcement of existing gestation crate bans
Support research into optimal group sow housing management that minimises aggression and improves welfare outcomes