Farrowing crates are widely used in commercial pig farming but confine sows so severely they cannot turn around, causing significant suffering.
Farrowing crate confinement prevents sows from performing any of their natural maternal behaviours — building a nest, moving to protect piglets, changing position for comfort. This causes severe frustration and physical discomfort for weeks at each farrowing. The justification — reducing piglet crushing — is genuine but can be addressed through alternative systems including free-farrowing pens with protective design. Consumer pressure and legislative action are both needed to accelerate the transition away from crates globally.