Gestation crates confining pregnant sows are banned in several countries due to severe welfare restrictions, with alternatives demonstrating that group housing can work with appropriate management.
Gestation crates represent one of the most severe confinement systems in modern agriculture. Preventing a pregnant animal from turning around for weeks to months causes both physical discomfort and severe psychological frustration. The UK banned gestation crates in 1999, and the welfare evidence supporting that ban has only grown stronger. Alternatives including group housing with electronic sow feeding work effectively when properly managed. Consumer pressure and corporate commitments have driven significant progress in countries without legislative bans, demonstrating that market forces can complement regulation in driving welfare improvements.