Farrowing crates severely restrict sow movement during and after birth to reduce piglet crushing, but alternatives that protect piglets while allowing sow freedom of movement are increasingly available and viable.
The farrowing crate welfare dilemma is genuine — preventing piglet deaths is a valid welfare goal, but denying sows movement for weeks causes significant suffering. The welfare-positive solution is not to accept the crate but to invest in the combination of housing design, genetic selection, and stockperson training that makes alternative systems viable. Countries that have transitioned to free farrowing systems demonstrate that it is achievable without unacceptable piglet loss. The barrier is primarily economic and requires consumer willingness to support higher production costs.