Farrowing Crates: Clash Between Chinese-Style and European-Style

The core differences between Chinese-style and European-style sow farrowing crates lie in structural design, functional adaptation, and material configuration: Chinese-style crates are characterized by fence-type enclosures and fixed-width frames, mostly using composite slatted floors and cast iron/steel pipe legs. They feature flexible dimensions (e.g., 2.2×3.6 meters) and practical functions like combined farrowing-nursery use, making them suitable for the cost and scenario needs of small and medium-sized pig farms. European-style crates, by contrast, stand out with adjustable frame widths (60-70cm), PVC baffle enclosures, and triangular steel slatted floors. Equipped with movable anti-crushing bars and open heat preservation boxes, their design better fits sow body adaptation and piglet warmth needs, though their numerous movable components require adaptation to domestic breeding management practices.

In terms of market trends, the current sow farrowing crate industry presents a pattern of "basic coverage by Chinese-style models + high-end penetration by European-style models": Chinese-style crates, with their high cost-effectiveness, occupy over 70% of the domestic market for small and medium-sized pig farms, and are iterating toward combined farrowing-nursery functions and anti-corrosion material upgrades. European-style crates, benefiting from the refined breeding needs of large-scale pig farms, have seen a 12% annual market growth rate in recent years. Meanwhile, intelligent functions (such as smart temperature control and remote monitoring) are rapidly integrating into both types of crates, and the penetration rate of intelligent farrowing crates is expected to exceed 40% by 2030. In regional layout, European-style crates dominate the domestic markets in East and South China, while Chinese-style crates are expanding rapidly in central-western China and "Belt and Road" markets due to their cost advantages. Industry competition will focus on comprehensive upgrades in material durability, functional adaptability, and intelligent integration capabilities.