Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces barely larger than their bodies for weeks or months. Global phase-out progress varies significantly, but momentum toward group housing continues to build.
Gestation crates cause significant welfare harm through extreme restriction of movement and behavioral deprivation. A pregnant sow confined for most of her adult life in a space too small to turn around cannot express natural behaviors including rooting, foraging, nest-building, or social interaction with conspecifics. Research consistently shows higher stereotypic behavior, poorer physical condition, and elevated stress indicators in crate-housed versus group-housed sows. The welfare case against gestation crates is among the strongest in farm animal science, which is reflected in the widespread industry and legislative movement toward group housing. Remaining implementation challenges relate to preventing injury and competition in group systems - real challenges with welfare-positive solutions.