Pigs are highly social animals with complex behavioral needs. Group housing systems that allow natural behaviors substantially improve welfare compared to individual confinement.
Individual confinement of pigs in gestation crates prevents virtually all natural behavior. Sows cannot turn around, walk, or interact with other animals. This causes intense frustration and psychological suffering evidenced by repetitive stereotypic behaviors like bar-biting. The welfare science is unambiguous: pigs have complex social needs that cannot be met in isolated confinement. Group housing with adequate space, social stability, and enrichment materials like straw or rooting substrates dramatically improves welfare outcomes. While group housing requires more management skill to prevent aggression, the welfare benefits far outweigh the management challenges, and many producers successfully manage group systems.