New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's decision on pig crates comes down to the wire

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has until Monday to decide whether to sign a closely watched bill seen by many as a harbinger of his potential presidential ambitions.

The bill would ban pig farmers in the state from using devices called gestation crates. The metal cages are so small pregnant pigs can't turn around.

The contraptions are rarely used on New Jersey's 300 pig farms. But they're widespread in Iowa, which holds the nation's first presidential caucuses.

Christie has been trying to make inroads there as he considers a run for president in 2016.

Many farmers oppose the bill and say they know what's best for their livestock.

But animal rights advocates say the practice is cruel.

Christie vetoed a similar bill last year.