Farrowing crates restrict sow movement to prevent piglet crushing. The welfare debate balances sow behavioral restriction against piglet mortality outcomes.
Farrowing crates create a genuine welfare dilemma. Sows in crates cannot express nesting behavior, turn around, or interact normally with piglets. The frustration of these motivations causes measurable stress and behavioral indicators of suffering. Yet free farrowing systems require higher management skill and may increase piglet crushing risks if not carefully designed and managed. The welfare argument must weigh sow restriction against piglet death - both matter. The evidence from successful free farrowing systems demonstrates that the compromise is not inevitable, and that with appropriate system design and management, sow behavioral welfare can be largely maintained.