Farrowing System Alternatives: Welfare Progress in 2025

The move away from farrowing crates toward loose farrowing systems represents one of the most significant pending improvements in pig welfare, with substantial progress toward regulatory and industry transition in 2025.

Key Facts

Farrowing crates restrict sow movement for 4-5 weeks around farrowing, preventing natural behaviour
The EU has announced a ban on farrowing crates from 2030 as part of the revised Animal Welfare Regulation
Alternative systems including temporary confinement systems and loose farrowing pens are commercially available
Farrowing crates reduce piglet crushing mortality but deny sows natural nest-building and movement
Higher welfare farrowing requires appropriate pen design, nest materials, and skilled stockmanship

Welfare Considerations

Farrowing crates deny sows one of their strongest behavioural motivations: nest building. In the days before farrowing, sows deprived of nesting materials and space show severe frustration and repetitive behaviours reflecting this unmet need. The crate prevents the sow from turning around, lying down of her own accord, or interacting normally with her piglets. Loose farrowing systems that provide nesting materials and space for maternal behaviour substantially improve sow welfare while maintaining acceptable piglet survival rates with good management.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from farms using loose farrowing systems where certified options are available
Advocate for retailers to commit to transition away from farrowing crate pork by 2030
Support RSPCA Assured, Soil Association, and equivalent higher welfare pork standards
Engage with policy consultations on the UK farrowing crate ban timeline and implementation