Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Pig: Piglet Mortality Causes and Prevention

Piglet mortality in the first week of life is a major welfare and production challenge, with the majority of deaths preventable through targeted management.

Key Facts

UK pre-weaning piglet mortality averages 12-15%, representing significant welfare harm
Crushing by the sow accounts for approximately 50% of piglet deaths
Starvation from insufficient milk or ineffective suckling is the second most common cause
Chilling from low ambient temperature and inadequate energy intake compounds other mortality causes
Larger litters from hyperprolific sow genetics carry higher individual piglet mortality risk

Welfare Considerations

Pre-weaning piglet death involves suffering from starvation, chilling, and in crushing events, traumatic injury. The scale of mortality means this is one of the largest sources of welfare harm in pig production by numbers affected. While some mortality is inevitable, the majority is preventable through competent farrowing management, appropriate warmth, colostrum access monitoring, and split suckling to ensure equal access for all piglets.

What You Can Do

Supervise farrowings to identify and assist piglets that cannot suckle
Provide appropriate supplemental heat for small and weak piglets
Implement split suckling protocols in large litters to ensure all piglets access colostrum
Monitor piglet body weight at 24 hours to identify those at risk of starvation
Record and investigate piglet mortality causes to drive targeted improvement