Farrowing crates that restrict sow movement during birth and nursing represent a major welfare concern. New systems aim to balance sow welfare with piglet survival.
Farrowing crate confinement of sows represents one of the clearest examples of productivity being prioritized over welfare in intensive pig production. Sows are highly motivated to build nests before farrowing — preventing this causes measurable frustration and stress. Five weeks of near-complete immobility causes muscle wastage, joint pain, and chronic stress. The welfare case for alternative systems is strong. The challenge is designing free farrowing systems that do not unacceptably increase piglet mortality, particularly in commercial-scale operations. Research shows this is achievable with good design and stockperson skill.