The design of farrowing accommodation profoundly affects the welfare of sows and piglets. Conventional farrowing crates prevent sow movement almost entirely, while alternative systems attempt to balance piglet safety with sow behavioural freedom.
The farrowing crate represents one of the most significant welfare compromises in modern pig production. Sows are prevented from expressing fundamental behaviours, including nesting and turning, for 3-5 weeks around each birth. While the reduction of piglet crushing is a genuine welfare benefit, the evidence increasingly shows that well-designed loose systems can achieve comparable piglet survival while allowing sows much greater freedom of movement and expression.