Farm Animals

Pig Welfare and Colostrum Management

Colostrum intake in the first 12 hours of life is critical for piglet survival and welfare, determining immunity and life prospects.

Key Facts

Piglets are born with no maternal antibody transfer and depend entirely on colostrum
Colostrum intake must occur within 12-24 hours of birth as gut closure prevents absorption
Competition for teats in large litters leaves some piglets without adequate colostrum
Colostrum banks using excess from high-producing sows can supplement deficient piglets
Piglets receiving adequate colostrum have 40% lower pre-weaning mortality

Welfare Considerations

Colostrum management is a life-or-death welfare intervention. Ensuring every piglet receives adequate colostrum in the critical window is achievable with attentive stockmanship.

What You Can Do

Advocate for colostrum management protocols in pig welfare certification
Support research on colostrum supplementation for large litter piglets
Choose pork from farms with documented neonatal management standards