Sow Mortality and Welfare: Prevention Strategies in Commercial Herds

Sow mortality rates have increased in commercial pig herds globally, reflecting systemic welfare problems requiring better monitoring, stockmanship, and health management.

Key Facts

Sow mortality rates have increased from 5-6% to 8-12% in many commercial operations over 20 years
Leading causes include locomotor problems, periparturient diseases, cardiovascular issues, and ulcers
The trend reflects selection pressure for hyperprolificacy without adequate musculoskeletal development
Mortality reduction requires both genetic selection changes and improved management
Early detection of problems through daily observation significantly reduces mortality rates

Welfare Considerations

High sow mortality reflects widespread failure to detect and respond to welfare problems in commercial herds. Sows dying from locomotor breakdown, prolapse, cardiovascular disease, or ulcers experience days to weeks of deteriorating welfare before death or emergency euthanasia. The trend toward larger litter sizes has prioritised productivity over maternal welfare. Addressing sow mortality requires systemic changes including genetic selection for longevity and robustness alongside improved daily stockmanship and health monitoring.

What You Can Do

Implement daily welfare assessment protocols enabling early detection of sick sows
Develop clear euthanasia criteria and train all staff to apply them promptly
Advocate for breeding programme changes prioritising sow longevity and robustness
Record and analyse sow mortality data by cause to identify priority prevention targets
Support research into sow welfare monitoring technologies enabling earlier intervention