Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces too small to turn around. Reform to group housing is progressing globally but welfare challenges remain in transition.
Gestation crate confinement causes profound welfare compromise. Sows are highly motivated to explore, root, build nests and interact socially — behaviours completely prevented by crate confinement. Chronic frustration is expressed through bar-biting, sham chewing and other stereotypies indicating poor welfare states. Group housing systems, while more complex to manage, allow expression of natural behaviours and significantly improve welfare. Challenges in group housing including aggression around feeding are manageable through good design and stockperson training. Consumer pressure and legislation are driving industry transition, but pace of change varies significantly by region.