Hypothermia is a leading cause of death in neonatal piglets, and simple environmental management including heat lamp provision and farrowing supervision prevents most deaths.
Neonatal hypothermia causes progressive weakness, inability to suckle and death in piglets within hours. It is almost entirely preventable with adequate heat provision in the farrowing area. The investment in heat lamps, heated mats and overnight supervision directly prevents suffering and death in the most vulnerable period of a pig's life.