Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Neonatal Care and Colostrum Management

Neonatal piglet mortality is a major welfare issue, with colostrum management, thermal comfort, and cross-fostering practices critically affecting survival and welfare.

Key Facts

Pre-weaning piglet mortality averages 12-15% in European pig production systems
Most mortality occurs in the first 72 hours of life when colostrum intake is critical
Adequate colostrum provides immunoglobulins and energy essential for survival
Piglets born in large litters may not have enough teats to compete successfully
Supplemental colostrum banking allows smaller piglets to receive adequate intake

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal piglet mortality represents both a welfare failure for dying piglets and a management challenge. Proactive colostrum management, thermal provision, and cross-fostering can significantly reduce mortality while improving welfare for surviving piglets.

What You Can Do

Support pig welfare standards with specific neonatal mortality targets
Advocate for limits on extreme litter sizes that compromise neonatal welfare
Choose pork from farms with active neonatal piglet care programmes