Farrowing crates confine sows during and after birth to prevent piglet crushing. The welfare debate balances piglet survival against severe sow movement restriction.
The farrowing crate welfare debate involves genuine competing welfare concerns: sow movement restriction and behavioural deprivation versus piglet crushing mortality. The evidence does not support permanent farrowing crate use as the only solution — loose farrowing systems can achieve comparable outcomes with appropriate facility design and management. The welfare of sows during farrowing — their ability to nest-build, move freely, and interact with piglets naturally — represents significant welfare benefits from loose farrowing. The welfare cost of crushing in poorly managed loose systems is real. The answer is investing in loose farrowing systems with appropriate design rather than accepting movement restriction as necessary.