Farm Animals

Pig Group Housing Welfare

Group housing for gestating sows is replacing individual gestation stalls as evidence accumulates that group systems with proper management improve sow welfare.

Key Facts

The EU banned gestation stalls in favor of group housing from 2013
Group housing requires careful design and management to prevent aggression
Electronic sow feeding systems can reduce competition and improve individual nutrition
Sows in well-managed group systems show fewer stereotypic behaviors than crate-housed sows

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crates prevent sows from turning around or performing any natural behaviors throughout pregnancy, causing profound welfare deprivation. Well-managed group housing systems significantly improve welfare by allowing movement, social interaction, and natural behaviors. Transition to group housing requires investment but demonstrates that welfare improvement is achievable at scale.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products from producers who have transitioned to group gestation housing
Support gestation crate bans in your country or state
Advocate for welfare certification programs requiring group housing
Support research into management systems that optimize sow group housing welfare