Pig Farrowing Systems and Sow Welfare

The confinement of sows in farrowing crates during the critical birthing and nursing period is one of the most contested welfare issues in pig farming.

Key Facts

Standard farrowing crates prevent sows from turning around for 3 to 5 weeks
Sows show strong nesting motivation before birth that crates completely prevent expression of
Free farrowing systems that allow movement have been successfully adopted in several countries
Piglet crushing mortality is used to justify crates but management can minimize this in free systems
Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland have banned or heavily restricted farrowing crate use

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing crate confinement represents one of the most severe welfare restrictions in commercial livestock farming. Sows confined in crates cannot turn around, root, or nest-build before farrowing — behaviors driven by strong hormonal motivation. The frustration of these powerful instincts causes measurable stress. While crushing prevention is a legitimate piglet welfare concern, evidence from progressive countries demonstrates that well-designed free farrowing systems with adequate space and management can achieve comparable piglet survival while dramatically improving sow welfare.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products from producers committed to free farrowing systems
Advocate for phase-out of farrowing crates with a clear industry transition timeline
Support retailers in setting supplier requirements for free farrowing commitments
Learn about the welfare evidence on free farrowing systems to engage in informed advocacy