Alternatives to stalls and tethers include keeping the sows indoors in groups. Sows are kept in enclosures and may have bedding. Increasing numbers of sows are being kept outdoors in less intensive systems. Increasing numbers of sows are now housed outdoors and this is increasing due to the welfare legislation. A week before giving birth sows are moved to farrowing crates where they stay for 2-4 weeks until the piglets are weaned.
Farrowing crates are metal crates barely larger than the sow, giving no room for turning around.
Any attempt at movement means the sow will unavoidably rub herself against the crate bars causing sores, abrasions and swellings. The strong instinct to build a nest out of leaves, grass or straw is completely frustrated. Farrowing crates are used because otherwise it is claimed that piglets would be crushed by the sow lying on them. However, sows in farrowing crates are prevented from manoeuvring and lying down carefully so piglets are in danger of being crushed by the sow clumsily dropping down. Studies have found piglet mortality is no different between crated and uncrated systems.