Farrowing crates confine sows during and after birth to prevent piglet crushing. While addressing one welfare problem, they create others. Alternatives that protect piglets while allowing sow movement are advancing.
The farrowing crate debate illustrates how welfare problems can interact — addressing piglet crushing through crate confinement creates severe welfare problems for the sow. Well-designed alternative systems with sloped pen walls, appropriate bedding, and managed nesting opportunities can protect piglets while allowing sow behavioral expression. The key insight from decades of research is that the crushing problem is substantially manageable through pen design rather than confinement. The EU phase-out timeline creates a commercial framework driving industry transition toward better systems.