Farmed Animals

Farmed Pig Gestation Crates: Welfare Science and Alternatives

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows individually for most of their pregnancy, causing severe behavioral deprivation that welfare science has extensively documented.

Key Facts

Individual gestation stalls measure approximately 0.6 x 2 meters - too small to turn around
Sows in stalls show higher rates of stereotypies, lameness, and cardiovascular problems
Group housing with electronic sow feeders provides competitive-free feeding in social settings
The EU banned gestation stalls except during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy in 2013
Several US states have passed bans, and many major retailers now require gestation crate-free commitments

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crates are one of the most welfare-damaging confinement systems in industrial agriculture. Sows are highly intelligent, motivated animals; the inability to turn around, walk, or interact with other pigs for months at a time causes profound psychological harm manifesting as repetitive behaviors, muscle weakness, and heightened stress reactivity. Alternatives work - the welfare case for their phase-out is overwhelming.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products explicitly labeled as gestation crate-free
Ask your favorite restaurants and food companies about their gestation crate policies
Support legislation banning gestation crates in your state or country
Support The Humane Society and Compassion in World Farming campaigns for sow welfare