Innovative farrowing systems are replacing conventional farrowing crates. Group farrowing and free-range production offer welfare advantages while maintaining commercial viability.
Farrowing crate welfare science clearly demonstrates that sow behavioral restriction causes chronic frustration and welfare compromise during one of the most behaviorally important periods — around parturition when nesting, maternal, and social motivations are particularly strong. Free farrowing systems that allow sow movement while providing structural protection for piglets through design features represent the welfare-superior alternative. Well-managed free farrowing systems achieve piglet mortality rates comparable to conventional crates, demonstrating that the welfare trade-off between sow and piglet welfare that justified crate use is manageable through good husbandry. The transition requires investment in facility redesign and training but is commercially viable as demonstrated by the multiple European countries that have successfully phased out conventional farrowing crates.