Farm Animals

Pig Welfare and Welfare and Litter Size Neonatal Survival

Increasing litter sizes in commercial pig breeding create welfare challenges for neonatal survival, with management interventions reducing mortality.

Key Facts

Average litter sizes have increased from 11 to 15 piglets born alive over 25 years
Pre-weaning mortality increases with litter size as competition for teats intensifies
Split suckling and fostering protocols improve individual piglet colostrum intake in large litters
Nurse sow systems allow surplus piglets to receive care from a dedicated sow
Genetic selection for teat number and maternal behaviour supports welfare in large litters

Welfare Considerations

Large litter welfare requires attentive stockmanship and evidence-based management. Ensuring every piglet receives adequate colostrum and teat access is achievable with appropriate protocols.

What You Can Do

Advocate for stockmanship standards addressing large litter welfare in pig certification
Support research on litter size management for welfare improvement
Choose pork from farms with documented neonatal welfare protocols