Farrowing crates confine sows for weeks around birth, preventing crushing of piglets. Alternatives are available but involve different welfare tradeoffs.
Farrowing crate welfare presents a genuine dilemma: crates prevent piglet crushing (a welfare concern) while causing maternal deprivation and confinement suffering (also welfare concerns). The assumption that crates are necessary has been challenged by the development of welfare-designed free farrowing pens that reduce crushing rates through careful spatial design — curved walls, anti-crush rails, and nesting areas that guide sow movement. These pens allow nest-building, turning, and normal maternal behavior while maintaining acceptable piglet mortality rates. The welfare calculus favors free farrowing systems with good design and management over traditional crates. The transition requires capital investment and management skill but is achievable, as demonstrated by countries that have made it work commercially. Temporary crating (only for the first 48-72 hours when crushing risk is highest) represents a welfare-improving compromise.