Farrowing crates used to confine sows during birth and nursing prevent natural behavior and raise serious animal welfare concerns debated across the farming industry.
Pigs are highly intelligent animals with strong social and behavioral needs that farrowing crates fundamentally cannot meet. Confinement prevents the natural nesting behavior sows are highly motivated to perform before farrowing, causing significant frustration and stress. The inability to turn around for weeks at a time causes muscle wastage, joint problems, and cardiovascular deconditioning. While piglet welfare is cited as justification, well-designed loose farrowing systems can achieve comparable piglet survival rates while dramatically improving sow welfare.