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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 13, 2025

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Field Study on Sow Mortality in 15 Belgian Pig Farms.

Caroline Bonckaert1, Charlotte Brossé1, Tamara Vandersmissen1

  • 1Animal Health Care Flanders, Hagenbroeksesteenweg 167, 2500 Lier, Belgium.

Veterinary Sciences
|July 25, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Sow mortality in intensive pig farming decreased from 11.4% to 8.1% after implementing control measures. Key causes included organ displacement, arthritis, and urogenital issues, highlighting the need for comprehensive management strategies.

Keywords:
geneticsmanagementnecropsynutritionpig farmingsow mortality

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Animal Science
  • Agricultural Management

Background:

  • Sow mortality poses significant challenges to animal welfare, farm sustainability, and profitability in intensive pig farming.
  • Understanding the specific causes and contributing factors is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence and primary causes of sow mortality on Flemish sow farms.
  • To evaluate the impact of targeted control measures on reducing sow mortality rates.
  • To identify key management, housing, feeding, and genetic factors influencing sow mortality.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted on 15 Flemish sow farms.
  • Sow mortality rates were tracked over two years (2022-2023).
  • Necropsies were performed on 100 deceased sows to determine the causes of death.

Main Results:

  • The average sow mortality rate decreased from 11.4% in 2022 to 8.1% in 2023.
  • The primary causes of mortality identified were positional changes in internal organs (32%), arthritis (19%), and urogenital disorders (7%).
  • Implementation of targeted control measures led to a significant reduction in mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Sow mortality is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors including health, management, housing, and genetics.
  • Optimizing sow health, body condition, and management practices are essential for reducing mortality.
  • A comprehensive approach is necessary to improve sow welfare and farm productivity.