Pig Neonatal Welfare and Colostrum Access

The first hours of life are critical for piglet survival, with colostrum intake, hypothermia prevention and crushing by the sow being the major welfare challenges.

Key Facts

Approximately 15-20% of piglets born alive die before weaning, a major welfare and production issue
Colostrum intake within the first 12-24 hours is essential for passive immunity
Hypothermia is a leading cause of pre-weaning piglet mortality, particularly in colder housing
Crushing by the sow accounts for roughly 50% of pre-weaning deaths
Modern hyperprolific sow genetics produce litters of 15-20 piglets, exceeding the sow's teat number
Small and weak piglets ('runts') are at highest risk of colostrum deprivation and crushing

Welfare Considerations

Pre-weaning piglet welfare is a significant challenge in modern intensive pig production. The drive toward hyperprolific sow genetics has increased litter sizes beyond what sows can physically rear, creating welfare problems of competition, starvation and crushing. Interventions including creep areas with heat lamps, split suckling management and fostering can improve individual piglet welfare but require skilled stockmanship. Genetic selection for maternal traits including leg strength, teat number and litter size moderation could address the root cause. Piglet welfare in the first week of life is among the poorest of any farmed animal.

What You Can Do

Support pig welfare certification that includes pre-weaning mortality rate requirements
Advocate for limits on hyperprolific sow genetics that generate welfare problems at birth
Support research into housing design and stockmanship interventions that reduce crushing deaths
Choose pork from outdoor or higher-welfare systems where farrowing conditions are better
Engage with retailers about pre-weaning mortality as a key welfare indicator in pig supply chains