Gestation crates for pregnant sows prevent almost all movement, causing chronic frustration and welfare compromise, with global phase-out efforts showing significant but uneven progress.
Gestation crates represent one of the most clear-cut welfare problems in commercial agriculture. A sow confined to a space too small to turn around for 16 weeks per pregnancy experiences profound behavioral frustration - she cannot walk, turn, exhibit natural social behavior, or engage in any movement-based behavioral needs. The evidence of welfare harm is unambiguous, which is why the EU banned crates in 2013. The challenge is that global progress is uneven, and even committed companies face difficulty ensuring supply chain compliance. Consumer purchasing decisions, corporate commitment verification, and legislative advocacy all contribute to driving the global phase-out.