Selective breeding for hyperprolific sow genetics produces very large litters where low-birth-weight piglets face crushing, starvation, and poor survival.
The drive to maximize litter size has created a welfare crisis in piglet care. Large litters produce undersized piglets that are vulnerable to starvation, crushing, and competition. Piglet processing including teeth clipping, tail docking, and castration adds further suffering. Moderating litter size genetics and improving farrowing environments for sow movement can reduce mortality and suffering substantially.