Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces too small to turn around, causing severe welfare problems that have driven bans and phase-outs in many jurisdictions.
Gestation crates produce one of the clearest examples of inadequate welfare in modern animal agriculture. Sows confined for up to 16 weeks per pregnancy are physically incapable of performing any of their natural behaviors - they cannot turn around, groom themselves, or engage in social behavior. The evidence of psychological suffering from stereotypic behaviors is overwhelming. Industry has recognized this through voluntary commitments, but slow implementation timelines mean millions of sows continue living in crates annually.