Reducing Mortality in Pig Finishing Systems

Mortality in pig finishing systems represents both a welfare failure and economic loss, with systematic identification of causes enabling targeted prevention.

Key Facts

Average finishing mortality in UK systems is approximately 1.5-2%, with significant variation between farms
Respiratory disease, hernias, rectal prolapse, and injuries are leading causes of finishing mortality
Tail biting is a welfare emergency and leading cause of mortality escalation in herds without biting control
Batch health planning reduces respiratory disease incidence through vaccination and biosecurity
Prompt identification and isolation of sick pigs improves individual outcomes and reduces cascade mortality

Welfare Considerations

Deaths in finishing systems represent welfare failures at multiple levels: the immediate suffering of dying animals and the often extended period of illness preceding death. Systematic mortality recording and root cause analysis enable farms to identify whether respiratory disease, fighting injuries, or management factors are driving losses. Targeted interventions including strategic vaccination, improved ventilation, tail biting control, and consistent sick pig identification dramatically reduce mortality and associated welfare costs.

What You Can Do

Ask pig producers about their mortality recording and root cause analysis systems
Support veterinary herd health planning that includes finishing mortality benchmarking
Advocate for finishing mortality rates to be included in farm welfare audit reporting
Encourage research into cost-effective finishing mortality reduction interventions