SWINE HOUSING
ACADEMIA REVIEW
Our first project examines the swine facilities in top veterinary and animal science programs and how the animals are housed. Unfortunately, many of these facilities, whether for research or instruction, use outdated practices known to result in poor welfare.
Our research found that leading universities use controversial “gestation crates” which are small metal cages that confine pregnant pigs.
The Reality of Gestation Crates
Above photos courtesy of We Animals Media
Violation of natural behaviors and maternal instincts
Numerous peer-reviewed studies have established the detrimental effects of gestation crates on pig welfare. These confinements severely restrict natural behaviors, rendering even basic movements like turning around impossible. Studies have found a range of harms that pigs endure while suffering in these crates including injuries from crate bars, urinary tract infections from laying in their waste, and physiological suffering evidenced by abnormal, repetitive behaviors such as biting the crate bars and failing to respond to external stimuli.
Due to the evidence of their detriment to animal welfare, gestation crates have been banned in many U.S. states and countries. Many restaurant brands, including top fast food chains, have begun phasing out the practice following widespread consumer concern. If McDonald’s is drawing the line at keeping pregnant pigs in crates constantly, so too should the leading university vet and animal science programs.
A wide range of stakeholders are advocating for change.
Changing Laws
Numerous U.S. states have banned the practice of confining pigs to gestation crates, beginning with Florida in 2002 and most recently New Jersey in 2023.
Corporate change
McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and many more restaurants have started phasing out crates.
Leading Vets
Temple Grandin, renowned veterinarian, once compared gestation crates to spending one’s life in an airline seat. 378 veterinary professionals signed an amicus brief in favor of banning crates in California.
Industry transition
Many pork producers, from Niman Ranch to Maple Leaf Foods to independent family farmers, have spoken out against the negative welfare implications of gestation crates.
“I have personally witnessed ordinary people’s response to their first experience of these crates and have seen eminent academics emerge from a sow barn unabashedly in tears.”