Given the preference for permanent crates for farrowing and lactating sows, which do not comply with animal welfare standards, a compromise known as temporary crating has been introduced. Farmers’ concerns about piglet mortality—and thus the increased use of crates—may not be as significant, since the temporary crate restrains the sow only during the most critical period. This period is the first three days after farrowing. After that, the sow is released from the crate and can move freely within the pen and interact with her litter until weaning.