Neonatal piglet mortality from crushing by sows is a major welfare problem in commercial pig production, with management interventions and farrowing system design significantly affecting outcomes.
Neonatal piglet welfare represents a complex management challenge. Sow confinement in farrowing crates reduces crushing mortality but severely restricts sow behaviour - trading one welfare problem for another. The welfare-optimal approach allows sow movement (free farrowing) while providing carefully designed pen features that give piglets safe spaces: sloped pen sides, effective heat sources in creep areas, low nest areas that are comfortable for sows but allow piglets to escape. The welfare of both sow and piglets must be considered together. Genetic selection for large litters has created welfare problems - very large litters mean more piglets competing for fewer teats, more hypothermic piglets, and higher crushing risk.