Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Colostrum Management and Neonatal Immunity

Colostrum intake in the first hours of life is critical for piglet survival and immune development, making colostrum management a frontline welfare intervention.

Key Facts

Piglets are born with almost no circulating antibodies and rely entirely on colostrum for immune protection
The window for colostrum antibody absorption closes within 24 hours of birth
Sows producing large litters often cannot provide enough colostrum for all piglets
Colostrum banking and supplementation strategies save lives of at-risk piglets
Cold ambient temperature dramatically reduces colostrum intake rates in newborns

Welfare Considerations

Colostrum is the foundation of piglet survival and immune health. Management systems that ensure all piglets receive adequate colostrum in their first hours of life prevent both neonatal mortality and the immune deficiency that drives welfare problems throughout the growing period.

What You Can Do

Support pig farms with documented colostrum management protocols
Advocate for farrowing systems that enable colostrum monitoring
Choose pork from farms with low neonatal mortality rates as a welfare indicator