Gestation Crate Reform: Progress and Persistence in Sow Housing

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces they cannot turn around in. Global reform is advancing but millions of sows remain in this system.

Key Facts

Gestation crates are metal stalls approximately 60cm wide that prevent sows from turning around during pregnancy
An estimated 50 million sows worldwide are housed in gestation crates throughout their reproductive lives
The EU banned gestation crates for the full gestation period in 2013, allowing only four weeks post-mating in stalls
The USA has no federal ban; state bans exist in California, Massachusetts, and several other states
Major food companies including McDonald and Burger King have committed to eliminating gestation crate pork
Group housing alternatives require good stockpersonship to manage aggression but achieve better sow welfare outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crate confinement is one of the most extensively documented welfare concerns in intensive animal agriculture. The inability of sows to turn around, investigate their environment, or perform natural social and foraging behaviours causes chronic frustration that manifests in stereotypic bar-biting and repetitive movements. Psychological as well as physical welfare suffers in crates. The transition to group housing requires investment and management skill but has been achieved successfully by millions of farms globally. Consumer and retailer pressure has driven significant progress; the welfare cost borne by sows remaining in gestation crates is the measure of work still to be done.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products certified as crate-free or from gestation crate-free supply chains
Support retailers and food companies committing to gestation crate-free sourcing with clear timelines
Advocate for federal legislation in the USA and equivalent national bans in countries without them
Support farmers transitioning to group housing through purchasing choices and policy advocacy
Engage with major restaurant chains to accelerate fulfilment of their gestation crate-free commitments