Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces too small to turn around for up to four months, causing severe psychological and physical suffering, and have been banned in multiple countries.
Gestation crate confinement represents one of the most documented welfare failures in animal agriculture. Pigs are intelligent, curious animals with strong motivations to root, explore, and move. Confinement in a space where they cannot turn around for months at a time prevents every natural behavior and causes extreme frustration. The stereotypic behaviors that emerge - repetitive bar biting, phantom rooting - are recognized indicators of severe psychological distress. The progressive muscular and skeletal deterioration from immobility adds physical suffering to the psychological. The existence of viable alternatives makes continued use a choice.