Farm Animals

Pig Welfare in Gestation Stalls

Gestation stalls confine pregnant sows in spaces too small to turn around, raising serious welfare concerns that have driven legislative changes worldwide.

Key Facts

Standard gestation stalls measure approximately 0.6 x 2 meters
Sows in stalls show stereotypies including bar-biting and sham-chewing
The EU banned gestation stalls after the first four weeks of pregnancy in 2013
Nine US states have passed bans on gestation stalls
Group housing systems allow sows to move, interact, and express natural behavior

Welfare Considerations

Gestation stalls prevent pigs from performing nearly every natural behavior: rooting, socializing, turning around, or exploring. The result is chronic psychological frustration expressed as stereotypic behaviors. Welfare science consistently identifies group housing with enrichment as far superior. The transition to group housing requires management investment but is feasible at commercial scale, as European producers have demonstrated.

What You Can Do

Buy pork products certified as gestation stall-free
Ask restaurants and food service companies about their pork sourcing policies
Support ballot initiatives banning gestation stalls in your state
Tell companies you will support those that commit to crate-free pork
Share information about gestation stall reform with your community