Gestation sows in conventional systems spend most of their lives in individual stalls too small to turn around. Understanding this welfare problem and the alternatives is essential for driving meaningful change.
Gestation stall confinement represents one of the most severe and widespread welfare failures in animal agriculture. The inability to turn around, groom normally, or perform any natural behavior for months at a time causes both physical and psychological suffering. Muscle atrophy from inactivity causes pain during the brief periods sows are moved. Stereotypic behaviors reflect frustrated behavioral drives and chronic psychological suffering. Group housing systems with adequate space and enrichment allow sows to live significantly better lives. Corporate commitments to gestation stall phase-outs have driven significant industry change, demonstrating that consumer and retailer pressure on supply chains can shift practices at scale.