Farrowing crates confine sows during and after birth to prevent crushing of piglets. Welfare-focused alternatives that protect piglets while allowing sow movement are proving viable in progressive systems.
Farrowing crate confinement causes severe welfare harms to sows through complete prevention of all natural behaviours around one of the most behaviourally significant events in a pig life. Nesting behaviour — motivated by a strong pre-farrowing drive to gather and arrange material — is entirely prevented, causing frustration documented through stereotypic bar-chewing. Physical inability to turn causes discomfort and muscle atrophy. Maternal behaviour toward piglets is severely restricted. The justification — preventing piglet crushing — is valid as a welfare concern for piglets, but evidence from progressive countries and farms demonstrates that well-designed alternative systems with nesting material, anti-crush bars, and appropriate sow selection can achieve similar or better piglet survival outcomes while dramatically improving sow welfare.