Sow Transition Housing and Welfare Improvements

How sows are managed during the transition from gestation to farrowing is critical for both maternal welfare and piglet survival.

Key Facts

Traditional farrowing crates confine sows in spaces so small they cannot turn around, for periods of 4-6 weeks around birth
The EU is reviewing legislation to phase out farrowing crates following earlier gestation stall bans
Loose farrowing systems allow sow movement while including temporary crush protection for newborn piglets
Sows in loose systems show stronger maternal behavior, including nest-building, which is a highly motivated natural drive
Providing nest-building materials such as straw before farrowing significantly reduces sow frustration and stereotypic behavior
Piglet crushing is the main welfare concern cited against loose farrowing systems, though well-designed systems can match crate survival rates

Welfare Considerations

Sows are intelligent, highly motivated animals for whom the inability to perform nest-building and maternal behaviors causes measurable frustration and distress. Farrowing crate confinement represents one of the most severe restriction of natural behavior in modern farming. Transition to well-designed loose farrowing systems, supported by skilled stockpersonship, can protect both sow welfare and piglet survival.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products certified under systems that prohibit or time-limit farrowing crate use
Support campaigns and legislation advocating for farrowing crate phase-outs
Learn about the science of pig maternal behavior and share evidence with others
Reduce pork consumption, particularly from systems without welfare certification