Farrowing crates confine sows around the time of birth to prevent piglet crushing. The welfare costs of crates and available alternatives are at the centre of pig welfare reform debates.
Farrowing crates represent a fundamental welfare compromise for sows: preventing one welfare harm (piglet crushing) by imposing another (severe confinement). The most welfare-positive solution is well-designed loose-farrowing systems with protective features, combined with good stockpersonship. As these systems become more proven, the case for continued use of full-confinement farrowing crates weakens. Consumer and regulatory pressure for phase-out timelines is driving industry investment in alternatives.