Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces too small to turn around. Alternatives that allow group housing can dramatically improve welfare — but require careful management.
Gestation crates cause significant welfare harm through chronic physical restriction. Sows cannot turn around, perform natural rooting behaviors, exercise, or engage in meaningful social interaction. The resulting frustration, learned helplessness, and physical deterioration — including muscle weakness, joint problems, and cardiovascular deconditioning — are well-documented. Group housing addresses these harms but introduces new welfare challenges: aggression and bullying can cause injuries and reduce feeding success for subordinate sows. Good management is essential — adequate space allowances, appropriate group composition, stable social structures, and effective ESF systems are all required. The welfare case for well-managed group housing is strong, and the transition is achievable with appropriate investment.