Farrowing crates severely restrict sow movement during and after birth. Alternatives including free-farrowing pens are being trialled and implemented, but require careful design to maintain piglet survival.
Farrowing crate welfare is one of the most well-documented and severe welfare compromises in commercial pig farming. Sows cannot turn around, struggle to perform the nest-building behaviour strongly motivated before birth, and are in constant physical contact with crate bars that cause skin abrasions and injury. The temporal restriction is severe — 4-6 weeks per reproductive cycle across 4-7 litters represents a substantial proportion of sow life spent in intensive confinement. The argument for crates centres on piglet survival: sows sometimes crush newborn piglets by lying without care. Evidence now shows that well-designed free-farrowing systems with appropriate protective features achieve comparable or better piglet welfare while dramatically improving sow welfare. Transition requires investment in pen design, stockperson training, and management protocol development — all achievable with appropriate support.