The welfare of sows and piglets during farrowing is profoundly shaped by housing system design, with significant differences between conventional crates and alternative systems.
The farrowing crate represents one of the most significant welfare compromises in commercial pig production. Sows are prevented from building nests by physical confinement at the time when nest-building motivation is at its peak, causing intense frustration expressed through repeated rooting at the crate floor. Maternal behaviors are restricted while bonding with piglets occurs through limited contact. Well-designed free farrowing systems with privacy, materials, and appropriate pen geometry demonstrate that sow welfare and piglet survival can both be achieved without crates.