Farmed Animals

Pig Gestation Crate Welfare Science

Scientific evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that gestation crates cause severe welfare harm through extreme confinement.

Key Facts

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows so tightly they cannot turn around
Sows spend up to 16 weeks in individual crates during each pregnancy
Animals in crates show high rates of stereotypic behaviors including bar-biting and head-weaving
Over 10 countries and numerous US states have banned or restricted gestation crates

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crates represent one of the clearest examples of extreme welfare compromise in modern farming. The inability to turn around, walk, lie comfortably or interact socially causes chronic physical and psychological suffering. Stereotypic behaviors in 40-90% of crated sows are diagnostic of severe welfare failure. Group housing with adequate space allows sows to express natural behaviors and dramatically improves welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products certified gestation-crate free
Advocate for gestation crate bans in your jurisdiction
Ask retailers and restaurants about their gestation-crate free commitments
Support campaigns to eliminate gestation crates from supply chains