Gestation crates that confine pregnant sows for most of their lives are banned across the EU and in several US states. Tracking the implementation of bans reveals both progress and significant compliance challenges.
Gestation crate phase-out has been one of the most significant farm animal welfare legislative achievements globally, but compliance is uneven and enforcement is inadequate in many jurisdictions. Sows in gestation crates cannot turn around, engage in natural movement, or perform any social behavior for months at a time — the welfare deprivation is severe and well-documented. Group housing alternatives are feasible and increasingly standard among progressive producers. The main barriers to phase-out completion are management skill gaps and facility investment costs — both addressable through training programs and targeted financial support for conversion.