Welfare of Sows in Farrowing Crates

• Farrowing crates are metal enclosures that confine sows during farrowing and lactation.
• Designed mainly to reduce piglet crushing mortality by restricting sow movement.
• However, these crates severely compromise sow welfare due to lack of freedom of movement and inability to perform natural behaviors.

a. Physical Welfare Concerns

• Restricted movement: Sow cannot turn around, walk, or exercise, leading to muscle weakness and poor fitness.
• Health issues: Higher risk of pressure sores, lameness, mastitis, and urinary infections due to prolonged lying on hard floors.
• Thermal stress: Poor ventilation and limited space increase heat stress risk.
• Welfare indicators: lesion scores, locomotion problems, body condition, lying time.

b. Mental Welfare Concerns

• Frustration and stress: Sows are prevented from performing nest-building behavior, which is a strong pre-farrowing instinct.
• Stereotypic behaviors: Bar biting, sham chewing, head weaving occur due to lack of stimulation.
• Fear and boredom: Prolonged confinement increases negative emotional states.
• Welfare indicators: abnormal behaviors, cortisol levels, heart rate, vocalization.

c. Naturalness Concerns

• Inability to express maternal behavior: Sows cannot interact freely with piglets.
• Restricted exploration: No rooting, foraging, or social interaction possible.
• Reduced welfare score in “natural living” dimension.

d. Alternatives to Farrowing Crates

• Loose farrowing systems: Provide more space for sow movement while including piglet protection areas.
• Enriched pens: Include bedding, nesting materials, and separate zones for lying, dunging, and feeding.
• Temporary crating systems: Sow is confined only during farrowing, released afterward.
• Welfare studies show these systems reduce stress and improve sow behavior without greatly increasing piglet mortality.

e. Ethical and Welfare Debate

• Supporters argue crates are necessary for piglet survival and economic efficiency.
• Opponents argue they are inhumane, causing severe restrictions and long-term welfare compromise.
• Many countries (e.g., Sweden, Norway, Switzerland) have banned or phased out farrowing crates.