Title: Gestation Crates & Farrowing Crates: Are They Necessary? | Osborne
Headings: Farrowing and Gestation Crates
Farrowing and Gestation Crates
During Pregnancy: Gestation Crates
Pre and Post-Birth: Farrowing Crates
Alternatives to Gestation Crates
Benefits of ESF with the Osborne TEAM ® System

Content: In addition, the case has also been made that crates make it easier for hog farmers to monitor individual sow health and administer vaccines as needed. Pre and Post-Birth: Farrowing Crates
Shortly before giving birth, the pregnant sow is moved into a farrowing crate, which should not be confused with gestation crates. When sows farrow, they need the space to give birth to their litters. Farrowing crates are enclosures designed to provide the room for the sow to give birth, and also provide the room for her litter during farrowing and nursing. Unlike the debate surrounding the use of gestation crates, no debate surrounds the use of farrowing crates. Farrowing crates ensure that piglets survive. The mortality rate for piglets in open farrowing areas is 25-30% versus a 6-8% mortality rate in farrowing crates. The basic design of farrowing crates has remained the same for decades. At approximately 7 feet long, the stall has a “butt bar” at the rear of the crate and strategically positioned “anti-lying bars” to aid in the prevention the sow from laying on her piglets during birth and lactation.