Sow maternal behavior is severely restricted in conventional farrowing crates, causing welfare problems for both sows and piglets. Alternative farrowing systems offer significant welfare improvements.
The farrowing crate represents one of the clearest examples of a welfare-production trade-off that has historically been resolved firmly in favor of production. Sows in crates cannot perform nest-building behavior that is one of the most strongly motivated behavioral drives in pig biology, cannot turn around for weeks, and experience chronic postural restriction. The welfare cost is significant and sustained. The encouraging development is that free farrowing systems with well-designed pen layouts can achieve piglet mortality rates comparable to crated systems when managed by skilled stockpeople. The transition requires investment in infrastructure and training, but the direction is clear: farrowing crates represent an unacceptable welfare compromise that the industry is moving to eliminate.