Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Gestation Crate Welfare and Transition

Gestation crates confine breeding sows in spaces too small to turn around for the majority of their pregnancy, causing severe welfare harm.

Key Facts

Gestation crates prevent turning, normal postural changes, and social interaction
Sows in crates show high rates of stereotypies indicating frustration
EU law requires sows to be kept in groups for the majority of gestation
Enforcement of the group housing requirement is inconsistent across member states
Group gestation housing is technically feasible and standard in many countries

Welfare Considerations

Gestation crates cause profound suffering through immobility and sensory deprivation. They are banned in principle in the EU but inadequately enforced. Transitioning to full group gestation housing is one of the highest-impact welfare improvements available to the pig industry.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for gestation crate phase-out and enforcement
Choose pork from producers certified to keep sows in group housing
Advocate for strict regulatory enforcement of existing EU sow welfare rules