Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Farrowing Crate Reform Science

The farrowing crate is one of the most controversial confinement systems in animal agriculture, restricting sow movement during farrowing and lactation.

Key Facts

Standard farrowing crates prevent sows from turning around for 5-7 weeks
Sow welfare is severely compromised by inability to perform nesting and maternal behaviours
Piglet crushing mortality rates differ between crate and free farrowing systems
Alternative systems including Veres, ComfortNest and free farrowing pens are available
Several EU countries are developing transition timelines to phase out farrowing crates

Welfare Considerations

The farrowing crate imposes extreme restriction on highly motivated maternal behaviours in sows. While managing piglet crushing risk, alternative systems demonstrate that comparable or better outcomes are achievable with investment in design and management.

What You Can Do

Support brands and retailers committed to transitioning away from farrowing crates
Advocate for timelines and support for farms transitioning to free farrowing systems
Choose higher-welfare pork products from farms using alternative farrowing systems