Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Neonatal Mortality Welfare Implications

High neonatal piglet mortality in commercial farming represents a major welfare problem affecting millions of animals annually.

Key Facts

Neonatal mortality in commercial pig farming typically ranges from 10-20% of live births
Crushing by the sow accounts for the majority of neonatal deaths in loose-housed systems
Large litter sizes from hyperprolific breeds increase competition for teats and risk of starvation
Hypothermia is a significant cause of death in cold farrowing environments
Fostering management and split-suckling can reduce starvation mortality but require stockmanship time

Welfare Considerations

The scale of neonatal piglet mortality in commercial farming represents an enormous welfare toll that receives insufficient attention. Dying piglets experience cold, starvation, and trauma. The drive toward ever-larger litters from hyperprolific sows has exacerbated this problem. Welfare progress requires challenging production incentives that prioritise litter size over individual piglet survival.

What You Can Do

Support pig welfare reform that addresses neonatal mortality as a priority welfare issue
Advocate for farrowing system standards that reduce piglet crushing and starvation
Learn about the welfare implications of hyperprolific sow breeding programmes