Farrowing Crate Reform and Free Farrowing Systems

The farrowing crate confines sows in a metal frame during and after giving birth, preventing natural movement and mothering behaviour. A global movement toward free farrowing systems is gaining momentum.

Key Facts

Conventional farrowing crates measure approximately 0.6 m wide and 2.2 m long, too small for a sow to turn around
Sows in crates are confined for approximately 4-6 weeks per litter during farrowing and lactation
Crate confinement prevents sows from building nests, which is a strongly motivated pre-farrowing behaviour
Free farrowing systems such as PigSAFE, Comfort Pen, and SWAP pen allow sow freedom of movement
Crushed piglets (overlying) is lower in well-designed free farrowing systems than critics feared, and comparable to crates
New Zealand and Sweden have prohibited farrowing crates; the UK government committed to phase-out but has not yet legislated

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing crate confinement is one of the most welfare-restrictive practices in commercial pig farming. Sows show clear signs of frustration and distress when unable to build nests before farrowing — a behaviour driven by strong hormonal motivation. Prolonged confinement causes learned helplessness, muscle wastage, pressure sores, and psychological distress. Research consistently shows sows prefer free farrowing environments and perform more normal maternal behaviour in them. Free farrowing systems have been demonstrated commercially viable with equivalent or better piglet outcomes, undermining the argument that crates are necessary to protect piglets. Consumer and retailer pressure, combined with legislation, is the most effective lever for driving the transition.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products labelled as free-range or from farms using free farrowing systems
Ask supermarkets for their timelines and commitments on farrowing crate phase-out
Support Compassion in World Farming campaigns for farrowing crate legislation in the UK
Write to your MP requesting UK legislation to deliver the previously committed farrowing crate phase-out