Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Farrowing Crate Alternatives Science

Scientific research on farrowing crate alternatives is providing evidence that higher-welfare systems can achieve comparable piglet mortality outcomes.

Key Facts

PigSAFE, Veres and free farrowing pens are the most studied alternatives to farrowing crates
Well-managed free farrowing systems achieve crushing mortality rates comparable to crate systems
Sow selection for maternal behaviour can reduce crushing risk in free farrowing systems
Stockperson training is critical to achieving good welfare outcomes in free farrowing
Several EU countries are now legislating for transition timelines away from farrowing crates

Welfare Considerations

Research has moved the debate from whether alternatives are feasible to how to achieve good outcomes. Evidence that well-managed free farrowing systems achieve comparable mortality outcomes removes the strongest argument for retaining crates.

What You Can Do

Support research institutions advancing farrowing crate alternative science
Advocate for transition timelines with industry support for farms moving to free farrowing
Choose pork products from producers committed to farrowing crate phase-out timelines