Piglet mortality in the first days of life is a significant welfare problem closely linked to genetic selection and housing conditions.
Piglet mortality represents both direct welfare harm — piglets die from crushing, chilling and starvation — and the indirect welfare consequences of genetic selection that prioritizes litter size without adequate consideration of sow maternal behavior and piglet viability. The farrowing crate, used to prevent sow crushing of piglets, itself causes significant welfare harm through extreme sow confinement. Welfare-positive alternatives including loose farrowing systems require more careful management but can achieve comparable or better piglet survival.