Comparing farrowing systems for sows from a welfare perspective and the evidence supporting farrowing crate alternatives.
Farrowing crates represent the clearest welfare dilemma in pig production: a system that causes significant suffering for sows while reducing mortality for piglets. The welfare case against farrowing crates is strong — complete movement restriction for 4-6 weeks prevents all natural behavior including nesting, causes frustration-related stereotypies, and creates documented welfare harms for the sow. The welfare case for crates involves the real piglet mortality increases seen in some free farrowing systems. The resolution of this dilemma lies not in accepting the current trade-off but in developing and adopting free farrowing systems with appropriate design features that allow sow movement while protecting piglets: temporary confinement only during and immediately after birth, solid flooring, appropriate nest areas, and farmer training in free farrowing management.