Farm Animals

Pig Neonatal Mortality Prevention

Neonatal piglet mortality is a major welfare and production concern, with effective interventions available to improve survival in the first days of life.

Key Facts

UK neonatal piglet mortality averages 15-20% in commercial systems
Crushing by the sow is the primary cause of death, particularly in the first 3 days
Low-birthweight piglets are at highest risk of crushing and starvation
Farrowing crate use is controversial: protects piglets but severely restricts sow movement
Alternative farrowing systems aim to balance sow freedom with piglet protection

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal piglet death involves suffering both for piglets dying slowly from crushing or starvation, and for sows in physically restrictive farrowing systems. Farrowing system design is a critical welfare challenge with no perfect solution. Active supervision during the first days of life reduces mortality.

What You Can Do

Support research into welfare-improved farrowing systems
Choose pork from farms investing in neonatal welfare management
Advocate for continued innovation in farrowing system design