Pig Neonatal Mortality - Farrowing Systems Comparison

Comparing neonatal piglet mortality rates across different farrowing systems and identifying management factors that reduce losses.

Key Facts

Neonatal mortality in pigs averages 12-15% across European systems, with crushing accounting for 50-60% of deaths
Pre-weaning mortality is higher in free farrowing than crated systems in first-generation studies but reduces with experience
Litter size has increased to an average of 16-17 piglets, exceeding the sow's functional teat number
Colostrum intake in the first 12 hours of life is the single most important determinant of piglet survival
Night-time monitoring and intervention capacity significantly reduces crushing mortality in free systems

Welfare Considerations

High neonatal mortality represents both a welfare problem for piglets and a systemic failure in breeding and management. The genetic push for larger litters has outpaced the sow's physiological capacity, creating chronic welfare challenges. Addressing neonatal mortality requires rethinking breeding goals alongside system design and stockperson training.

What You Can Do

Implement overnight monitoring or farrowing sensors to enable timely intervention in free systems
Ensure every piglet receives adequate colostrum in the first six hours post-birth
Review litter size targets with your breeding programme to match teat number capacity
Record and analyze mortality by cause to identify system-specific improvements
Invest in stockperson training specific to neonatal piglet care and intervention