Pig Farrowing Crate Welfare Debate

Farrowing crates that confine sows during and after birth prevent piglet crushing but severely restrict natural maternal behaviour.

Key Facts

Farrowing crates are used in the majority of commercial pig production to prevent sow rolling onto piglets.
Sows are typically confined for 3-5 weeks per litter, unable to turn around during this period.
Piglet mortality from overlying (crushing) is the primary rationale for crate use.
Free farrowing systems including pens with physical protection bars have demonstrated comparable or lower piglet mortality in some studies.
Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway have banned or severely restricted farrowing crates; other EU countries are considering phased bans.

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing crates create a clear welfare tension: piglet mortality vs. sow welfare. Sows confined in crates cannot turn around, build nests, or perform natural maternal behaviours — they show stereotypic bar-biting and have elevated stress hormone levels. Free farrowing systems allow sow expression of nesting, rooting, and maternal behaviours, improving sow welfare. Well-designed free farrowing pens with slope-protected areas can achieve low piglet mortality while substantially improving sow welfare. Transition to free farrowing requires investment in housing redesign and management changes but represents a welfare improvement that is achievable in commercial production.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from producers committed to phase-out of farrowing crates in their supply chains.
Support campaigns for legislation restricting farrowing crates in your country.
Ask retailers about their pork supplier farrowing welfare policies.
Reduce pork consumption or choose higher-welfare alternatives as a direct lever for change.