Pig Neonatal Welfare and Piglet Survivability

Piglet mortality in the first days of life is a significant welfare problem - management of neonatal welfare including colostrum access, warmth and creep areas is evidence-based.

Key Facts

Pre-weaning piglet mortality rates of 10-20% are typical in commercial sow herds
Crushing by the sow accounts for approximately 50% of pre-weaning deaths
Hypothermia is a leading cause of piglet death, particularly in the first 24 hours
Colostrum intake within 6 hours of birth is essential for immunity and survival
Supplemental heat in the farrowing pen creep area must be sufficient - piglets cannot thermoregulate effectively at birth
Large litter sizes from prolific modern sow genetics exceed the functional teat number, reducing colostrum access for later-born piglets
Stockperson attention during farrowing significantly reduces mortality from crushing and intervention needs

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal piglet welfare represents an acute challenge in commercial sow farming. The welfare harm from piglet death is significant, and survival is dependent on management quality. Farrowing attendance during the critical first hours reduces crushing mortality through immediate intervention. Colostrum management for large litters requires attention to ensure all piglets receive adequate intake within the first 6 hours. Supplemental heat provision that creates a comfortable creep area away from the sow enables piglets to move and return to suckle without competition from siblings. Free farrowing systems present both welfare improvements for sows and management challenges for piglet welfare that require additional stockperson skill.

What You Can Do

Support stockperson training in farrowing management and neonatal piglet welfare
Advocate for farm assurance requirements for farrowing attendance and colostrum management protocols
Choose pork from farms with documented low pre-weaning mortality rates as a welfare indicator
Support research into farrowing system designs that reduce crushing risk in free farrowing
Campaign for neonatal piglet mortality to be monitored and reported as a key welfare outcome measure