Scientific evidence increasingly supports alternatives to farrowing crates that allow sows natural nesting behaviors while maintaining piglet safety.
The farrowing crate represents one of the most welfare-compromising systems in modern pig production. Sows are highly motivated to build nests before farrowing — a behavioral need so strong that crate-confined sows engage in prolonged vacuum nesting movements using whatever materials are available. Piglet crushing concerns that justified crates are being addressed through pen design innovations including sloped walls, escape corners, and heated creep areas. Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland have moved significantly toward free-farrowing systems with positive welfare and productivity outcomes, demonstrating commercial viability of reform.