The global transition away from gestation crates for pregnant sows has accelerated but remains incomplete, with economic and management challenges influencing the pace of adoption.
The gestation crate represents a clear welfare compromise - a system designed for production efficiency that severely restricts the natural behavioral repertoire of a highly intelligent, social species. Sows in crates cannot turn around, socialize normally, exercise, or express species-typical behaviors for the majority of their reproductive lives. The physiological and psychological consequences are well-documented: muscle weakness, frustration behaviors, and evidence of chronic stress. Group housing with proper management is achievable at acceptable cost, as demonstrated by the EU's partial transition and by producers in countries that have made complete transitions. Consumer and supply chain pressure has been more effective than regulation alone in accelerating adoption.