Farmed Animals

Pig Gestation Crate Welfare

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows so tightly they cannot turn around for up to four months at a time, causing documented psychological suffering.

Key Facts

Gestation crates measure approximately 2 meters by 0.6 meters
Sows typically spend 16 weeks per pregnancy in gestation crates
The EU banned new gestation crate installations in 1999 with phase-out completed 2013
The US still allows gestation crates; approximately 60% of sows are confined in them
Sows in crates show stereotypic bar-biting indicating chronic frustration

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crate confinement is one of the most thoroughly documented animal welfare harms in modern agriculture. The inability to turn around, walk, or engage in natural nesting and social behaviors causes profound psychological suffering. Alternative group housing systems demonstrate that pork production is commercially viable without gestation crates.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products labeled gestation-crate-free or Certified Humane
Avoid purchasing pork from brands that have not committed to crate-free production
Advocate for legislation banning gestation crates at state and national level
Support campaigns by major animal welfare organizations targeting pork producers
Reduce pork consumption to decrease demand for intensive pig production systems