Farmed Pig Group Housing Transition

Transitioning sow housing from individual gestation crates to group systems is one of the most significant welfare reforms in modern pig farming, improving social behavior and mobility.

Key Facts

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces so small they cannot turn around
The EU banned gestation crates for most of pregnancy in 2013
US retailers increasingly require supplier commitment to gestation crate elimination
Group housing allows sows to walk, socialize, and express natural behaviors
Transitioning requires careful management to prevent aggression and ensure feeding equity

Welfare Considerations

Sows in gestation crates spend most of their reproductive lives unable to take more than a step forward or backward, causing chronic physical and psychological stress. Muscle atrophy, stereotypic behavior like bar-biting, and cardiovascular decline are documented consequences of crate confinement. Group housing systems, while requiring careful management, allow sows to express natural behaviors, maintain fitness, and interact socially — dramatically improving welfare across millions of animals when adopted at industry scale.

What You Can Do

Choose pork certified under programs requiring gestation crate-free production
Support retailers and food companies with gestation crate elimination commitments
Advocate for legislation requiring phase-out of gestation crates in your jurisdiction
Learn about the Open Wing Alliance and equivalent efforts in the pig welfare space