Farrowing crates confine sows during birth and suckling, preventing them from moving freely. Welfare-improving alternatives are available and increasingly adopted by higher-welfare producers.
Farrowing crate welfare harms are significant. Sows cannot turn around, engage in nest-building behavior, or respond to piglet distress appropriately. The frustration of nest-building motivation — a strong behavioral drive peaking just before farrowing — is acutely experienced when straw and space are absent. Behavioral indicators including bar-biting and stereotypic rooting at crate walls indicate frustration. Modern free-farrowing alternatives with appropriately designed protective areas for piglets achieve comparable piglet survival to crate systems while allowing sow freedom to turn, walk, and interact with piglets. The animal welfare case for phasing out farrowing crates is strong; the practical challenge is farmer training and economic transition support for capital-intensive facility changes.