Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Inguinal and Umbilical Hernia Welfare

Hernias in piglets cause welfare problems from pain, infection risk and interference with normal activity and growth.

Key Facts

Inguinal hernias are most common in male piglets and have a genetic predisposition
Umbilical hernias result from failure of the umbilical ring to close after birth
Small hernias may not affect welfare significantly but large hernias cause discomfort
Scrotal hernias in male piglets can become entrapped causing acute pain and death
Surgical repair is possible but rarely performed due to cost in commercial settings

Welfare Considerations

Hernia welfare impacts range from minor for small stable hernias to severe for large or entrapped hernias. Selection against hernia predisposition through breeding is the most impactful long-term welfare intervention. Clear farm protocols for monitoring and culling severely affected piglets prevent prolonged suffering.

What You Can Do

Advocate for genetic selection against hernia predisposition in commercial pig breeding
Support clear farm protocols for identifying and humanely culling severely herniated piglets
Choose pork from farms with documented health and welfare management including hernia monitoring