Animal Welfare Hub

Evidence-based resources for animal welfare

livestock

Gestation Stall Welfare: Evidence and Alternatives

An evidence-based examination of gestation stall welfare impacts and the transition to group housing systems for pregnant sows.

Key Facts

Gestation stalls restrict natural movement, social behaviour, and postural changes
Sows in stalls show high rates of stereotypies indicating chronic stress
Physical health problems include joint damage, pressure sores, and muscle weakness
Group housing allows social interaction and voluntary movement
Group housing management requires careful design to reduce aggression
EU ban on continuous stall use (except first 4 weeks) has been in place since 2013

Welfare Considerations and Management

The welfare evidence strongly supports group housing for pregnant sows. Gestation stalls cause significant frustration, chronic stress, and physical deterioration. Successful group housing requires appropriate space allowances, feeding systems that minimise competition, and careful group composition. Enrichment materials and ad libitum roughage further improve welfare in group systems.

What You Can Do

Support producers transitioning to or using group housing systems
Choose pork products from higher welfare certified production systems
Advocate for complete phaseout of gestation stalls in all markets
Support research into optimal group housing design and management