Pig Gestation Crate Phase-out: Progress and Welfare

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces too small to turn around. Global progress on phase-out represents one of the most significant farm welfare advances of recent decades.

Key Facts

Gestation crates confine sows individually for most of their pregnancy, typically 16-18 weeks
The EU banned continuous use of gestation crates in 2013, permitting use only during the first 4 weeks post-service
Several US states have banned gestation crates, and major food companies have made phase-out commitments
Group housing systems present management challenges including aggression and competition for resources
Well-designed group housing with adequate space and management achieves comparable reproductive performance
Sow welfare in group housing is substantially better across behavioral and physiological welfare measures

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crates prevent sows from performing virtually any natural behavior — they cannot turn around, root, explore, or exercise for the majority of their lives. The behavioral deprivation is measurable in stereotypic bar-biting and psychological indicators of chronic frustration. The global trend toward phase-out reflects both ethical recognition of this suffering and demonstrated technical feasibility of alternatives. Progress has been real but implementation timelines remain extended in many jurisdictions.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products certified as gestation crate-free, such as RSPCA Assured, Certified Humane, or Global Animal Partnership 5+ products
Ask food companies and retailers specifically about their gestation crate phase-out timeline and progress
Support corporate campaigns encouraging major pork producers to complete phase-out commitments
Advocate for legislative bans in jurisdictions where crates remain fully legal
Reduce overall pork consumption, particularly from conventional sources, as the most direct action
Share information about gestation crate welfare impacts with others who may not be aware of the issue