Pig Gestation Crate Phase-Out Progress

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces too small to turn around; a global phase-out campaign has made significant progress but full elimination remains incomplete.

Key Facts

Gestation crates are individual metal stalls approximately 0.6 x 2 meters — sows cannot turn around
Over 70% of US breeding sows are kept in gestation crates during pregnancy
The EU banned gestation crates (except in first 4 weeks after mating) in 2013
Over 100 major food companies including McDonald's, Costco, and Walmart have committed to phase out gestation crates
Group housing with adequate space allows sows to perform natural behaviors including rooting, socializing, and lying comfortably

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crate confinement causes profound welfare suffering. Unable to turn around, walk more than a step forward or backward, or interact normally with conspecifics, sows in crates show high rates of stereotypic bar-biting and other frustration behaviors. The psychological suffering of months of near-complete immobility is considered among the most severe routine welfare harms in food production. Progress toward elimination has been substantial: EU bans (with poor enforcement), hundreds of corporate commitments, and rising consumer awareness have pressured producers. However, US farm-level phase-out timelines have slipped repeatedly due to production cost concerns. Advocacy organizations continue monitoring and reporting on commitment fulfillment.

What You Can Do

Support organizations like The Humane Society and Compassion in World Farming tracking corporate gestation crate commitments
Only purchase pork from producers certified as gestation crate-free
Contact food companies that have made but not fulfilled gestation crate phase-out commitments
Support legislation banning gestation crates in your state or country
Reduce pork consumption to reduce demand for products from sows kept in crates