Farrowing crates confine sows during and after birth to reduce piglet crushing, but cause severe welfare harms through movement restriction — alternative systems with protective design elements offer better welfare for sows while maintaining piglet safety.
Crated sows are unable to perform nesting behaviour — an extremely motivated pre-farrowing behaviour causing severe frustration when prevented. Unable to turn around, sows cannot respond to piglet distress vocalisation effectively. Pressure sores develop from prolonged lateral recumbency on concrete. Alternative systems with anti-crush rails, creep areas, and appropriate space allow sow movement and nesting while protecting piglets through structural design rather than confinement. The welfare case for eliminating farrowing crates is strong from both ethical and scientific perspectives.