Pig Crushing Mortality: Prevention and Welfare

Piglet crushing by sows is a major cause of pre-weaning mortality in both intensive and outdoor pig systems, with farrowing system design and stockperson management being critical prevention factors.

Key Facts

Crushing by the sow accounts for approximately 30-50% of pre-weaning piglet mortality in many systems
Piglets are most vulnerable in the first 24-72 hours after birth when they are weak and unable to escape quickly
Low birth weight piglets have substantially higher crushing risk due to reduced vigor and hypothermia susceptibility
Farrowing crate rails create a protected space where piglets can shelter away from the sow
Loose farrowing systems with sloped walls and escape rails can achieve comparable crushing rates to crates
Sow behavior around farrowing including nest-building experience affects crushing risk
Stockperson supervision during farrowing and the first 48 hours significantly reduces crushing mortality

Welfare Considerations

Piglet crushing causes sudden death or severe injury including rib fractures and internal hemorrhage. The welfare of individual crushed piglets involves acute suffering if death is not immediate. At the population level, high crushing rates indicate that system design and management are not adequately protecting vulnerable newborns. The welfare trade-off between sow behavioral freedom in loose systems and piglet safety must be addressed through system design that achieves both rather than sacrificing one for the other. Well-designed loose farrowing systems with appropriate escape rails and nest areas can protect piglet welfare while giving sows the freedom they are denied in farrowing crates.

What You Can Do

Support farrowing system designs that protect both sow welfare and piglet survival
Advocate for investment in loose farrowing system design research that achieves low crushing rates
Ensure adequate supervision of farrowing particularly in the first 48 hours post-birth
Address low birth weight through nutritional management of sows and piglet number management
Provide supplementary heat sources for newborn piglets to prevent hypothermia that increases crushing risk
Engage with pork producers and retailers about supporting investment in better farrowing system design
Support demonstration farms showing commercially viable low-crushing loose farrowing systems