Pig Neonatal Welfare: Addressing High Mortality in the First Week

Neonatal piglet mortality — primarily from crushing, starvation, and chilling — is the highest mortality period in pig production and represents a significant welfare challenge.

Key Facts

Pre-weaning piglet mortality averages 12-15% globally, with the first 72 hours accounting for the majority of deaths
Crushing by the sow is the leading cause of neonatal piglet mortality in most systems
Hypothermia from inadequate heat provision kills thousands of piglets in poorly managed farrowing facilities
Modern hyperprolific sow genetics produce more piglets than a sow can typically rear, creating competition and starvation
Fostering excess piglets requires careful management to prevent disease transmission and competition stress
Piglets vocalize distinctively when in distress — trained stockpersons can identify problems early through sound monitoring

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal piglet mortality represents both a welfare failure and a production loss — motivations that should drive industry action but have not yet achieved adequate resolution. The cascade of crushing, starvation, and hypothermia that characterizes the first 72 hours for many piglets reflects management shortfalls in heat provision, litter management, and sow supervision. Genetic selection for hyperprolificacy has outpaced management capacity, creating structural welfare problems that higher stockmanship standards alone cannot solve. Genetic programs that balance litter size with maternal capacity, combined with improved neonatal care protocols, are the most durable welfare solution.

What You Can Do

Support welfare certification schemes that require monitoring and documentation of pre-weaning mortality rates
Advocate for pig breeding programs that balance prolificacy with maternal rearing capacity
Ask pork producers about their pre-weaning mortality rates and protocols for neonatal piglet welfare
Support research into crushing prevention technology and improved heat provision systems for farrowing facilities