Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces too small to turn around, causing severe behavioral frustration. The global movement toward group housing represents a major welfare improvement for millions of sows.
Gestation crates represent one of the most severe routine welfare compromises in commercial animal farming. Confining a large, intelligent, highly social animal in a space too small to turn around for months at a time causes severe and prolonged behavioral frustration, locomotion problems, and psychological distress. The welfare evidence is unambiguous and has driven progressive legislative and corporate action. The transition to group housing is achievable with appropriate system design and management, and represents one of the most impactful welfare improvements in pig production. Continued advocacy and certification requirements are needed to complete this transition globally.