Crushing of piglets by sows is a leading cause of pre-weaning mortality, with housing design and management interventions proven to significantly reduce these preventable deaths.
The farrowing crate welfare dilemma illustrates a genuine tension: crates reduce piglet crushing but cause significant sow suffering through immobility, inability to perform nesting behaviour, and frustration. Sows in crates show higher cortisol, more stereotypic behaviour, and limited ability to respond to piglet distress calls. Well-designed loose farrowing systems can resolve this tension, achieving good piglet survival while allowing sows freedom of movement. The key is pen design (protective rails, creep areas with heat lamps, corner covers) combined with attentive stockmanship around farrowing. A blanket choice between crates and loose housing misses the point — what matters is achieving both sow and piglet welfare together.