Pig Mortality Reduction and Welfare

Pre-weaning and post-weaning mortality in pigs reflects both welfare failures and management deficiencies, with evidence-based interventions available to substantially reduce suffering and death.

Key Facts

Pre-weaning piglet mortality averages 10-15% in commercial systems with significant variation
Crushing by the sow is the leading cause of pre-weaning mortality accounting for 50-60% of deaths
Starvation and low birth weight are major contributing factors to pre-weaning death
Post-weaning mortality from disease and fighting typically adds 1-2% additional losses
Electronic sow feeding and farrowing crate alternatives aim to balance sow and piglet welfare
Cross-fostering small or weak piglets to sows with fewer piglets improves survival and welfare
Benchmarking mortality rates against industry targets helps identify farms needing improvement

Welfare Considerations

High mortality rates represent both a welfare metric and a welfare problem. Each piglet death represents an animal that suffered - from hypothermia, starvation, trauma, or disease - before dying. The mortality that occurs reflects inadequate management to protect vulnerable neonates. Reducing mortality through improved management directly reduces suffering across large numbers of animals. Cross-fostering, split suckling management of large litters, and enhanced supervision during the critical first 24 hours are all interventions that reduce suffering and death. Tracking mortality rates as a welfare performance indicator drives continuous improvement.

What You Can Do

Implement intensive supervision during the first 24 hours after farrowing when most crushing deaths occur
Cross-foster piglets from large litters to sows with fewer piglets to ensure adequate colostrum and milk access
Use split-suckling techniques to ensure all piglets in large litters receive adequate milk
Provide supplemental heat sources for piglets to reduce hypothermia risk
Track and benchmark pre-weaning mortality rates and investigate farms with consistently high rates
Advocate for farrowing system designs that reduce crushing risk without requiring full confinement of the sow