Livestock

Pre-weaning Mortality in Pigs: Welfare and Management

Reducing piglet deaths in the first weeks of life through welfare-focused husbandry.

Key Facts

Pre-weaning mortality averages 12-15% in commercial pig production
Crushing by the sow accounts for around 50% of pre-weaning deaths
Low birth weight piglets are at disproportionately high mortality risk
Stockpersonship quality is the strongest predictor of pre-weaning survival

Welfare Considerations

Pre-weaning mortality represents one of the most significant welfare challenges in pig production. Crushing death is distressing and preventable in many cases through nest area design, supervision at farrowing, and interventions for small piglets. Welfare-focused management includes assisted farrowing monitoring, split suckling for even access, and heat lamp provision for vulnerable piglets.

What You Can Do

Support investment in stockperson training for farrowing management
Advocate for farrowing system design that reduces crushing mortality risk
Monitor pre-weaning mortality as a key welfare performance indicator on pig farms