Farm Animals

Pig Welfare and Farrowing Crate Alternatives 2026

Farrowing crate alternatives continue to advance in 2026, with new pen designs reducing piglet mortality while improving sow welfare.

Key Facts

Farrowing crates prevent sow movement for 4-6 weeks, causing significant suffering
Pen designs with escape areas for piglets achieve piglet mortality comparable to crates
Sweden has used crate-free farrowing for decades with no welfare disadvantage
UK government committed to phasing out farrowing crates by 2030
New 2026 pen designs reduced piglet crushing rates to under 5% in commercial trials

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing crates represent an outdated, welfare-compromising technology. New pen designs demonstrate that sow welfare and piglet survival can both be optimised.

What You Can Do

Support higher-welfare pork that avoids farrowing crates
Advocate for legislative timelines on farrowing crate phase-out
Choose RSPCA Assured or equivalent certified pork products