Gestation crates confine pregnant sows so tightly they cannot turn around for months at a time — a practice that is increasingly banned globally but remains prevalent in major pork-producing countries.
Gestation crate confinement is among the most scientifically condemned practices in modern livestock production. A sow in a standard gestation crate cannot turn around, cannot engage in motivated behaviors including rooting and exploring, and may develop pressure sores from lying on concrete with no bedding. Behavioral research using preference testing shows that sows will work extremely hard to access space and substrate. The scientific consensus, reflected in policy changes across Europe and North America, is that this level of confinement is incompatible with acceptable welfare for a highly intelligent, motivated animal. Group housing with adequate space, stable social groups, and access to rooting substrate allows expression of natural behavior while maintaining reproductive performance. Transition costs are real but manageable — producer experience shows the change is feasible.