Sow stalls — individual metal crates that prevent sows from turning around during gestation — have been banned in the EU, UK and several other jurisdictions, but remain standard practice in many major pig-producing countries, representing a major global welfare issue.
Sow stalls cause prolonged and profound welfare deprivation. The inability to turn around or perform any natural movement for weeks at a time represents a severe restriction of basic freedom of movement. Sows cannot engage in social behaviour, rooting, nesting or exploration — all strongly motivated behaviours. Chronic frustration manifests in stereotypic behaviour including repetitive bar-biting and rooting against hard surfaces. Muscle atrophy from inactivity causes weakness and lameness. The duration of confinement — weeks to months during each pregnancy — means the welfare cost per individual is very large. The existence of viable alternatives demonstrated across multiple countries makes continued use of sow stalls a clear welfare policy failure.