Farrowing crates prevent sow movement during and after birth, raising serious welfare concerns. Research into alternatives is producing promising systems that protect both sow and piglet welfare.
Farrowing crates create a genuine welfare conflict between sow welfare and piglet survival. Sows in crates are unable to build nests, turn around, or express natural maternal behaviors, causing significant welfare compromise. The nesting drive unfulfilled by crated sows represents intense behavioral frustration as it is one of the strongest behavioral motivations in pigs. However, simply removing crates without appropriate alternative system design results in higher piglet crushing rates. Promising alternatives including PigSAFE and the Freedom Farrowing system provide temporary side protection during the crushing-risk period while allowing sow freedom outside this window.