Pig Gestation Crate Science: The Welfare Evidence Base

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces that prevent turning for up to 16 weeks per pregnancy. The welfare evidence against this practice is extensive and has driven bans in multiple jurisdictions.

Key Facts

Standard gestation crates measure 60-70 cm wide — insufficient for a sow to turn around
A sow in a gestation crate is pregnant 85% of her productive life, spending most of that time unable to turn
Stereotypic bar-biting occurs in 30-40% of crated sows and cannot occur in pens — it is crate-specific
Muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and joint problems from restricted movement are documented in gestation crated sows
Sows in well-managed group housing show lower cortisol, lower stereotypy rates, and better reproductive performance
The EU phased out individual confinement for most of gestation in 2013 — only the first 4 weeks and last month are permitted in individual stalls
US corporate phase-out commitments cover 90%+ of major food companies, but compliance by 2023 commitments was partial

Welfare Considerations

The welfare evidence against gestation crates is among the most comprehensive for any single farm animal welfare issue. Sows in crates cannot express virtually any natural behavior — they cannot turn, root, explore, or engage in normal social interactions. The resulting stereotypy rates, muscle deterioration, and psychological indicators of chronic stress are well-documented and scientifically unambiguous. The corporate commitment movement has been effective at creating public commitments to phase out gestation crates, but enforcement of these commitments has lagged. The welfare urgency of completing this transition is significant given the number of animals affected and the severity of the restriction.

What You Can Do

Support pork producers using group sow housing confirmed by certification
Follow up with food companies on gestation crate phase-out commitment compliance
Choose pork products labeled Outdoor Bred, RSPCA Assured, or Global Animal Partnership Step 3+ to ensure crate-free
Support Humane Society of the US, Compassion in World Farming campaigns on sow housing
Engage with institutional food purchasers (universities, hospitals) to adopt gestation crate-free pork sourcing