Taking control of piglet mortality

Piglet mortality seems inevitable in pig farming, as on most commercial farms the litter size by far exceeds sows’ natural capacity to wean. In order to better deal with this situation, a deeper understanding of mortality causes can help making the appropriate decisions, writes welfare expert Dr Irene Camerlink. While it is unpleasant to see young piglets dying, the scale at which it happens may lead to desensitisation to the situation. Passively watching or doing nothing – “letting natu