Farm Animals

Pig Neonatal Mortality and Farrowing Welfare

Neonatal piglet mortality from crushing, starvation, and chilling is a major welfare and productivity problem, requiring farrowing management that balances sow and piglet welfare.

Key Facts

Piglet pre-weaning mortality typically ranges from 10-20% in commercial systems
Crushing by the sow is the most common cause, particularly in farrowing crates
Hypothermia and starvation account for further significant mortality
Free farrowing systems require more supervision but can achieve similar or lower mortality to crates
Farrowing supervision particularly in the first 48 hours dramatically reduces mortality

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal piglet welfare requires both sow welfare (freedom of movement) and piglet welfare (protection from crushing) which are in tension. Free farrowing systems with good supervision can achieve both objectives. Investment in farrowing supervision is essential regardless of system.

What You Can Do

Support research into free farrowing systems that protect both sow and piglet welfare
Advocate for farrowing supervision standards in pig welfare certification
Choose higher welfare pork from free farrowing systems where available