Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Colostrum Management and Neonatal Welfare

Ensuring adequate colostrum intake in neonatal piglets to support immune function and welfare.

Key Facts

Piglets are born without passive immunity and depend entirely on colostrum
Adequate colostrum intake in the first 12 hours is critical for immune protection
Large litters from modern hyperprolific sows challenge colostrum supply per piglet
Split suckling management ensures smaller piglets access colostrum
Colostrum supplementation products are available when sow supply is inadequate

Welfare Considerations

Inadequate colostrum intake causes immunological vulnerability and increased mortality risk in piglets, making colostrum management a fundamental neonatal welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Support farmer training in neonatal piglet colostrum management
Advocate for colostrum management requirements in pig welfare assurance standards
Encourage breeding programmes to consider sow colostrum quality alongside litter size