Farm Animals

Pig Farrowing Crate Alternatives Research

Research into farrowing crate alternatives shows promising results for piglet welfare without the confinement costs for sows, but system design remains critical.

Key Facts

Farrowing crates confine sows and prevent lying movement, causing significant welfare harm
Loose farrowing systems (e.g. Farrower, PigSAFE) aim to reduce overlying mortality without full confinement
PigSAFE loose farrowing pens achieved overlying mortality comparable to crates in UK trials
Temporary confinement systems allow sow freedom before and after farrowing's critical period
Sweden and Norway have demonstrated that loose farrowing is commercially viable at scale

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing crate alternatives are a welfare research priority. The evidence base for effective system design is growing and commercial viability has been demonstrated in Nordic countries.

What You Can Do

Support retailers committing to source from farrowing crate-free supply chains
Advocate for UK legislation phasing out conventional farrowing crates within a defined timeframe
Ask pork producers whether they are participating in farrowing crate alternative trials