Livestock

Pig Farrowing Systems: Welfare Reform and Practical Challenges

The farrowing crate confines sows for 4 to 5 weeks during birth and suckling, raising major animal welfare concerns.

Key Facts

Over 60 percent of UK sows are kept in farrowing crates during birth and suckling
Farrowing crates prevent sows from turning around or performing nesting behaviour
The crate was developed to reduce piglet crushing deaths but alternatives can achieve similar piglet survival
Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway have banned or phased out farrowing crates
UK government committed to a voluntary phase-out with a 2025 deadline that has been extended

Welfare Considerations

Confinement in farrowing crates causes severe frustration and distress particularly around the time of birth when sows have a strong drive to build nests. Behavioural indicators of suffering include repetitive rooting and pushing against crate bars. Sows cannot turn around or engage with their piglets normally. Extended confinement causes muscle wastage and increases the risk of cardiovascular problems. The welfare harm is substantial and well documented.

What You Can Do

Choose pork and bacon with RSPCA Assured or Soil Association certification which require free farrowing
Engage with retailers to commit to free farrowing sourcing timelines
Support Compassion in World Farming campaigns for farrowing crate bans
Write to your MP in support of legislation requiring farrowing crate phase-out
Donate to research into loose farrowing systems that maintain piglet survival