Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces too small to turn around for up to 16 weeks, causing severe physical and psychological suffering that has driven a major global welfare reform movement.
Gestation crates represent one of the most criticized practices in modern animal agriculture. Sows are among the most behaviorally complex farm animals, with strong motivations to build nests, root, and move freely. Confinement for up to four months per pregnancy cycle — repeated throughout a sow's life — causes profound behavioral frustration, physical deterioration, and psychological suffering. The global trend toward group housing alternatives demonstrates that production systems can function without gestation crates. Industry resistance is primarily economic rather than technical.