Farrowing crates confine sows during birth and nursing, preventing natural maternal behavior. Reform efforts are accelerating, but systemic change requires both policy and industry commitment.
Farrowing crate confinement causes acute frustration in sows deprived of nest-building behavior, a highly motivated pre-parturition drive. Sows show persistent and futile nesting attempts even in bare crates, indicating that the motivation persists without an outlet. Confinement also prevents sows from responding normally to piglet distress and interferes with natural nursing rhythms. Alternative systems require careful management to minimize overlying risk, but the evidence from Sweden, Norway, and the UK shows this is achievable with appropriate pen design. The EU phase-out commitment signals the political will; implementation support for smaller producers and robust enforcement will determine whether the welfare gain is realized on schedule or delayed.