Scientific evidence on gestation crate welfare strongly supports transition to group housing systems as a meaningful welfare improvement for breeding sows.
The scientific case against gestation crates is robust and consistent - crated sows show markers of chronic stress, frustration, and physical deterioration not seen in well-managed group housing. Industry arguments that crates prevent sow aggression are addressed by evidence that appropriately managed group systems achieve comparable outcomes without the severe behavioral restriction of crates. The global trend toward crate bans reflects growing acceptance of this evidence.