Farmed Animals

Piglet Welfare in the First Weeks of Life

The first weeks of life are critical for piglet welfare, with high mortality rates and painful procedures common in many systems.

Key Facts

Pre-weaning mortality is typically 10-15% in commercial pig production
Crushing by sows in farrowing crates is a major cause of piglet death
Teeth clipping and tail docking are routinely performed without anaesthesia
Iron deficiency anaemia is a welfare risk in indoor systems without access to soil
Castration of male piglets causes acute pain and distress

Welfare Considerations

Piglet welfare in early life is compromised by high mortality, painful husbandry procedures, and the limitations of conventional farrowing systems. While farrowing crates protect piglets from crushing, they severely restrict sow behaviour and welfare. Alternative systems that protect piglets while allowing sow behavioural freedom represent the welfare ideal.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that require pain relief for all piglet procedures
Advocate for transition away from conventional farrowing crates
Choose pork products from welfare-assured systems with low piglet mortality claims
Support research into alternative farrowing systems that balance sow and piglet welfare
Raise awareness about piglet welfare as a key indicator of system performance