Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Colostrum Management

Colostrum is critical for piglet immune protection in the first hours of life. Management strategies ensuring all piglets receive adequate colostrum dramatically reduce mortality and disease.

Key Facts

Piglets are born without maternal immunoglobulins and depend entirely on colostrum
Gut closure to IgG absorption occurs within 24 hours of birth
Smaller piglets in large litters may be excluded from teat access
Supplemental colostrum from colostrum banks can be vital for excluded piglets
Assisting weak piglets to suckle can be life-saving in the first hours

Welfare Considerations

Colostrum management is the single most impactful welfare intervention for neonatal piglets. Ensuring all piglets receive adequate colostrum in the first hours prevents disease and mortality for millions of piglets annually.

What You Can Do

Support farms with active farrowing supervision and colostrum management
Advocate for colostrum management to be included in pig welfare standards
Learn about piglet colostrum needs and management approaches
Choose welfare-certified pork from farms with verified farrowing welfare