Farm Animals

Pig Farrowing Supervision and Colostrum Welfare

Active supervision during farrowing and ensuring colostrum intake in the first hours of life are critical welfare interventions with large effects on neonatal survival.

Key Facts

Piglets must receive colostrum within 12-16 hours of birth for adequate passive immunity
Low-birthweight piglets may need assistance to access a teat against larger littermates
Hypothermic piglets require warming before they can suck effectively
Passive immunity from colostrum protects against enteric and respiratory disease for weeks
Assisted suckling for weak piglets significantly improves survival rates

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of neonatal piglets depends critically on colostrum intake. Piglets that miss colostrum face weakened immunity and are at high risk of disease-related suffering throughout their short lives. Active supervision in the first 12 hours of life - ensuring even the smallest piglets suckle - is a high-impact welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Support farms with active farrowing supervision and colostrum management protocols
Advocate for farrowing welfare standards requiring colostrum monitoring
Choose pork from farms investing in neonatal piglet welfare management