CentralNotice Gestation crate From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation , search Gestation crates, used on modern hog production facilities, commonly referred to as factory farms A gestation crate , also known as a sow stall , is a metal enclosure used in intensive pig farming , in which a female breeding pig (sow) may be kept during pregnancy, and in effect for most of her adult life. [ 1 ] The enclosures measure 6.6 ft × 2.0 ft (2 m × 60 cm) and house sows that weigh up to 900 lbs (408 kg). [ 2 ] The floors of the crates are made of concrete, and are slatted to allow waste to be collected below. [ 3 ] A few days before giving birth, they are moved to farrowing crates, where they are able to lie down to nurse and the piglets have room on the sides to get away from the sow to sleep and play. Opponents of gestation crates believe that they are unhe...