Pig Farrowing Welfare: The Case Against Farrowing Crates

Farrowing crates confine sows around the time of birth to prevent piglet crushing. But welfare science now offers alternatives that protect piglets without the severe confinement these crates impose on sows.

Key Facts

Farrowing crates confine sows so tightly they cannot turn around for 4-6 weeks around farrowing
Sow motivation to build a nest before farrowing is strong - crates prevent this entirely
Studies show sows in farrowing crates display higher cortisol levels and more stereotypic behaviors than loose-housed sows
Piglet crushing by free-ranging sows can be reduced to <5% with appropriate pen design
Scandinavian countries have eliminated farrowing crates through welfare regulation
The EU proposed phasing out farrowing crates by 2030 as part of its animal welfare strategy
Enriched farrowing pens with creep areas and crush rails offer compromise solutions

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing crates represent one of the most significant ongoing welfare debates in pig farming. The welfare case against them is strong - preventing a sow from turning around, nesting, and moving freely for weeks causes profound frustration and chronic stress in a highly motivated, intelligent animal. The behavioral deprivation is measurable and significant. The welfare case for them is also real - preventing crushing deaths of piglets matters. But the false dichotomy between crates and piglet welfare has been resolved by research showing well-designed loose farrowing systems can achieve comparable piglet survival. The welfare evidence now points clearly toward transition away from farrowing crates.

What You Can Do

Support legislation phasing out farrowing crates in your jurisdiction
Choose pork products from producers who have committed to farrowing-crate-free production
Engage with major pork producers and retailers about their farrowing crate phase-out timelines
Reduce pork consumption or choose welfare-certified products
Support research into optimized loose farrowing pen designs that protect both sow and piglet welfare
Advocate for EU-level farrowing crate phase-out to proceed on schedule