Pig Neonatal Welfare: Colostrum and Survival

Overview of neonatal piglet welfare, with focus on colostrum intake and survival management.

Key Facts

Colostrum intake in the first 12-24 hours is critical for piglet immunity and welfare
Piglet birth weight is the strongest predictor of survival and growth
Hypothermia is a leading cause of piglet death in cold farrowing environments
Split suckling management improves colostrum access for all piglets in large litters
Piglet processing including ear tagging and iron injection require welfare consideration

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal piglet welfare depends on adequate colostrum intake, thermal environment management, and appropriate supervision during the farrowing period. Modern high-prolificacy genetics have increased litter sizes beyond sow capacity, creating welfare challenges for the smallest piglets. Intervention strategies including split suckling and supplemental feeding improve survival while maintaining welfare. Farrowing supervision training is an important welfare intervention for stockpersons.

What You Can Do

Support pig welfare schemes with meaningful farrowing supervision requirements
Advocate for welfare assessment of neonatal mortality rates as a farm welfare indicator
Choose pork from farms with documented piglet welfare protocols