Pig Gestation Crate Phase-Out Welfare Progress

The phase-out of gestation crates for sows represents one of the most significant farm animal welfare reforms of recent decades.

Key Facts

Gestation crates prevent all movement in pregnant sows for the duration of pregnancy
The EU banned gestation crates in 2013, requiring group housing for most of gestation
Group housing for sows requires careful management of aggression and resource competition
Some countries including the US still permit gestation crate use throughout pregnancy
Consumer pressure has driven voluntary phase-outs ahead of regulatory requirements in some markets

Welfare Considerations

The gestation crate ban represents significant welfare progress for pregnant sows, who previously were confined so tightly that they could not turn around throughout pregnancy. The shift to group housing with appropriate space and resources addresses fundamental mobility and social needs. However, welfare benefits of group housing depend critically on management quality - poorly managed groups can cause aggression and stress that undermines the welfare intent of the reform.

What You Can Do

Support pork products from group-housed sow systems certified to welfare standards
Advocate for global gestation crate phase-out as a minimum international welfare standard
Learn about the management requirements for welfare-positive group sow housing