Gestation Crate Phase-Out Progress and Welfare

Gestation crates that confine pregnant pigs for the majority of their lives are being phased out across the US and Europe, but the pace of change and alternative system welfare requires careful evaluation.

Key Facts

Approximately 6 million breeding sows in the US were housed in gestation crates as recently as 2020
The EU banned gestation crates after the first 4 weeks of pregnancy in 2013, though enforcement is uneven
Group housing for pregnant sows reduces stereotypic behaviors but introduces aggression risks if poorly managed
Over 1,200 US food companies have committed to cage-free or crate-free pork sourcing policies
Pen gestation systems that use electronic sow feeders allow individual feeding while enabling social housing

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crates prevent sows from turning around, lying down comfortably, or expressing any natural behavior for up to 16 weeks at a time. This level of confinement causes chronic physical and psychological suffering, including pressure sores, muscle atrophy, and high rates of stereotypic behaviors like bar-biting and rooting on concrete. The welfare case for eliminating gestation crates is overwhelming. However, group housing is not automatically better — poorly managed group systems with aggressive competition for resources can cause significant injury. The welfare ideal combines group social housing with individual feeding stations, adequate space per animal, and stockpeople trained in sow behavior and social management.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products from producers who have eliminated gestation crates
Advocate for your local supermarket to adopt a crate-free pork sourcing policy
Support legislation requiring phase-out of gestation crates on a clear timeline
Engage with pig farming organizations to support the transition to welfare-positive group housing
Learn about the welfare evidence on gestation crates and share it with others who eat pork