Gestation crates confine pregnant sows so tightly they cannot turn around for months at a time, and the transition away from them represents a major welfare improvement.
Gestation crate confinement causes profound suffering through near-total movement restriction for months of an animal's life. The resulting stereotypies — repetitive bar-biting, head weaving and sham chewing — are indicators of severe frustration and psychological distress. Group housing systems require management skill to handle aggression and competition, but with appropriate design they provide significantly better welfare. Corporate commitments to gestation crate-free supply chains have been a major driver of industry change, demonstrating the power of purchasing decisions and corporate accountability campaigns in driving welfare improvements.