Welfare of Pigs in Gestation and Farrowing Systems

Sow housing during pregnancy and farrowing is among the most welfare-compromised in all of animal agriculture, and reform has been slow despite decades of scientific evidence.

Key Facts

Gestation crates confine pregnant sows in spaces too small to turn around for up to 16 weeks
The EU banned gestation crates after 4 weeks of pregnancy in 2013 with implementation challenges
Group housing for sows reduces restriction but requires careful management to prevent fighting
Free farrowing systems allow sow movement during birth and nursing but require higher investment

Welfare Considerations

Sow housing welfare failures represent some of the most thoroughly documented animal welfare problems in agriculture. Gestation crates that prevent turning around are associated with bone weakness, cardiovascular problems, muscle atrophy, and severe behavioral frustration expressed as stereotypic bar-biting. Despite a European ban on gestation crates after 4 weeks, compliance has been poor in some countries. Free farrowing systems that allow sow movement during birth and nursing improve welfare significantly but have been resisted by industry on cost grounds. Consumer and regulatory pressure has driven progress but far more slowly than the evidence base would justify.

What You Can Do

Choose pork products certified to exclude gestation crate use for more than the legally minimum period
Advocate for complete gestation crate bans in jurisdictions where they remain legal throughout pregnancy
Support free farrowing system adoption through welfare certification purchasing decisions
Engage with retailers asking them to implement pig welfare purchasing policies that exclude crate-confined pork