Farmed Animals

Piglet Welfare: Survival, Weaning, and Early Life

The first days and weeks of piglet life involve significant welfare challenges including crushing by sows, early weaning, and painful procedures.

Key Facts

Sow crushing kills 10-15% of piglets in conventional farrowing crates
EU regulations require weaning at minimum 28 days; some countries allow earlier weaning
Piglets undergo teeth clipping, tail docking, and castration typically without analgesia
Free farrowing systems reduce crushing while allowing more natural sow behavior

Welfare Considerations

Newborn piglets face multiple welfare challenges. Farrowing crates prevent sow crushing but restrict both sow and piglet movement severely. Early weaning before natural age disrupts immune development and social behavior. Painful procedures without analgesia cause stress that affects long-term behavior and welfare. Free farrowing systems with protective rails allow sow movement while reducing crushing.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from farms with free farrowing or enhanced farrowing systems
Advocate for minimum weaning age requirements in animal welfare legislation
Support research into pain management protocols for piglet procedures
Engage producers and retailers about transitioning to free farrowing systems