Nesting behavior is a powerful motivational drive in sows that is severely frustrated in conventional farrowing crates, causing significant welfare costs.
Inability to perform nesting behavior is one of the clearest documented welfare failures in modern pig farming. Studies show sows in crates show elevated cortisol and stereotypic behaviors compared to those with nesting material. Providing even minimal nesting substrate - straw, wood shavings - significantly reduces stress responses during the critical farrowing period.