Farrowing crates prevent sow movement and are widely used in commercial pig farming. Alternatives that protect piglets while allowing sow freedom represent a major welfare advance.
Farrowing crates represent one of the most significant ongoing welfare debates in livestock farming. Sows in crates cannot perform their strongly motivated nesting behavior, cannot stand and lie down freely, cannot interact normally with piglets, and experience frustration responses that persist throughout confinement. The welfare cost to sows is substantial and sustained across millions of animals. The piglet crushing concern is real but manageable — well-designed loose housing with appropriate nest space and creep areas achieves acceptable piglet mortality while allowing sow behavioral freedom. The EU is moving toward phasing out farrowing crates, and innovation in temporary confinement systems offers promising intermediate solutions that protect piglets without extended sow restriction.