Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Pig Neonatal Mortality Prevention

Neonatal piglet mortality, primarily from crushing and starvation, is a major welfare challenge in commercial pig production.

Key Facts

Neonatal piglet mortality averages 12-15% in commercial UK pig production
Crushing by the sow accounts for approximately 50% of pre-weaning deaths
Hypothermia and starvation cause a further 30% of pre-weaning deaths
Split suckling (separating larger piglets temporarily) helps smaller piglets access teats
Farrowing crate use reduces crushing but restricts sow behaviour in complex welfare trade-offs

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal piglet deaths from crushing and starvation represent significant welfare harm at scale. Crushing causes traumatic death; starvation causes progressive weakness over days. Preventive strategies including heat lamp provision, creep areas for smaller piglets and attentive stockmanship reduce mortality while maintaining sow welfare.

What You Can Do

Support research into farrowing systems that reduce crushing while allowing sow movement
Ask pork producers about their pre-weaning mortality rates and management protocols
Advocate for neonatal mortality rate targets in welfare certification schemes
Support stockperson training in neonatal piglet care and colostrum management