The pre-farrowing opportunity to reduce piglet mortality

Abstract

The survival of piglets through weaning has long been a key measure of sow reproductive performance. Mortality losses include both stillborn piglets and piglets dying prior to weaning. Published literature shows piglet stillbirth rates vary between 5-10%. However, in high prolific herds, stillbirth rates can be as high as 14%. Adding pre-weaning mortality to perinatal mortality rates, total losses to weaning can be 15-25% in high prolific herds. Most pre-weaning mortality among piglets occurs in the first few days of life.