Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces barely larger than their bodies. Reform has progressed substantially in some regions while others lag behind. Understanding the landscape guides advocacy.
Gestation crate confinement causes profound suffering through complete prevention of movement, social behavior, and any expression of natural behavioral repertoire. Sows in gestation crates show high rates of stereotypic behaviors, bone weakness from inactivity, and psychological distress. The welfare science is unambiguous: group housing with appropriate management is compatible with commercial production and dramatically better for sow welfare. Corporate commitments and state bans have driven significant change in the US, though implementation has been slower than commitments suggested. The next welfare frontier is farrowing crates used during birth and lactation, where similar movement restrictions are applied.