Litter size management in commercial pig production has significant welfare implications for both sows and piglets. Balancing production goals with welfare requires careful consideration.
The pursuit of ever-larger litter sizes in commercial pig breeding has created a welfare problem where the number of piglets born exceeds the capacity of any individual sow to rear them well. Low-birth-weight piglets from large litters have reduced welfare throughout their lives including impaired thermoregulation, higher mortality, and poorer growth. Welfare-focused breeding programs that select for functional teat number and sow milk production alongside litter size, rather than litter size alone, could reduce these inherent welfare compromises.