Gestation crates — individual metal stalls confining pregnant sows for most of their pregnancy — represent one of the most debated welfare practices in commercial pig farming, with bans spreading across many jurisdictions.
Sows in gestation crates cannot perform any natural behaviour: they cannot turn around, root, forage, build nests, socialise normally, or engage in almost any movement beyond standing and lying. This severe restriction of movement and behavioural repertoire over weeks causes profound frustration, anxiety, and psychological suffering. Stereotypic behaviours — repeated, functionless movements — develop as a symptom of this deprivation and persist even when animals are later moved to group housing. Physical inactivity causes muscle wasting that compromises farrowing ability and leg health. The industry has largely recognised these welfare costs, driving a worldwide transition toward group housing — though enforcement and standard compliance vary significantly.