Farrowing crates confine sows during and after birth to prevent piglet crushing, creating a welfare dilemma between sow and piglet welfare.
The farrowing crate represents a genuine welfare dilemma: preventing piglet crushing mortality requires restricting sow movement, but that restriction causes significant welfare harm to the sow through inability to nest and turn. Well-designed free farrowing systems with appropriate space, nesting materials, and trained stockmanship achieve low crushing rates while restoring sow welfare. The solution requires investment in better housing design.