Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Colostrum Management Science

Colostrum management is one of the highest-welfare-value interventions in pig production, protecting neonatal piglet immunity and survival in the critical first hours of life.

Key Facts

Piglets are born without maternal antibodies and depend entirely on colostrum for immune protection
Adequate colostrum intake within 12 hours of birth is critical for immunoglobulin absorption
Colostrum production declines rapidly after farrowing requiring management of access for all piglets
Banking colostrum from high-producing sows enables supplementation of disadvantaged piglets
Weaker and smaller piglets in large litters are most at risk of inadequate colostrum intake

Welfare Considerations

Colostrum provides both nutritional and immunological protection that is irreplaceable in the neonatal period. Active management ensuring all piglets receive adequate colostrum dramatically reduces mortality and prevents future welfare problems from passive transfer failure.

What You Can Do

Ensure all newborn piglets have access to colostrum within 12 hours of birth
Collect and store colostrum from sows with excess production for supplementation
Support welfare standards that include neonatal colostrum management requirements