Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in metal stalls so narrow the animals cannot turn around. The welfare evidence against this practice is overwhelming, yet phase-outs remain incomplete globally.
Gestation crates represent one of the most comprehensively criticized intensive livestock practices in animal welfare science. Sows are highly intelligent animals with strong motivations to move, explore, root, and engage socially — confinement in a space too small to turn around for months prevents all of these behaviors. The resulting chronic frustration is measured through physiological stress markers, stereotypic behavior rates, and immune suppression. Alternative housing systems — group housing with electronic sow feeding systems — maintain production efficiency while allowing freedom of movement and social interaction. Transition challenges include aggression management in groups, which requires pen design investment and management skill. Despite overwhelming welfare evidence and industry commitments, enforcement of phase-out commitments has been inconsistent in many jurisdictions.