Farrowing crates confine sows during birth and lactation to prevent piglet crushing, but severely restrict natural behavior, creating an ongoing welfare dilemma in pig farming.
Farrowing crates represent one of the most significant welfare controversies in pig farming because they prevent essentially all natural behavior during one of the most physiologically and behaviorally demanding periods of a sow's life. Pre-farrowing nesting motivation is extremely strong - sows denied nesting materials show intense frustration and elevated stress hormones. The inability to turn around or adjust position causes physical discomfort during the extended confinement period. However, the welfare case for crates includes the reduction of piglet crushing mortality, creating a genuine tension between sow welfare and piglet welfare. Well-designed free-farrowing systems demonstrate that acceptable piglet survival can be achieved while substantially improving sow welfare.