Abstract: In order to confine a sow in such a manner as to allow only limited movement of the sow, the crate has two side members (2, 3) each of which is pivoted at a corresponding end about a respective vertical axis and between which the sow is positioned in use. Each of the side members (2, 3) comprising a rigid frame incorporating at least two horizontal rails. A linkage system (11) couples together the side members (2, 3) such that pivoting of one of the side members in one direction about the associated vertical axis causes corresponding pivoting of the other side member in the opposite direction about the associated vertical axis. Furthermore a damper (17) is incorporated in the linkage system (11) so as to control pivotal movement of the side members (2, 3) in such a manner that, when the sow applies her weight to one of the side members on lying down within the crate, the side member gives way gradually under the sow's weight in order to lower the sow controllably to the ground.

Abstract: The crate comprises two side members, a front member in the form of a trough assembly and a back member in the form of a rear gate for confining a sow within the crate in such a manner as to allow only limited movement of the sow. Each side member consists of a fixed retainer frame and a pivotable retainer frame pivoted on an upper rail of the fixed retainer frame so that the bottom rail of the pivotable retainer frame is movable outwardly to a limited extent when the sow applies her weight to it so as to enable the sow to lie down within the crate while being supported by the bottom rail. Pivotal movement of the two pivotable retainer frames is damped by a damper so that the sow is lowered to the ground in a controlled manner, and the two pivotable retainer frames are coupled together so that outward movement of one of the bottom rails will cause corresponding outward movement of the other bottom rail.