Not everyone will agree with the arguments in this article, however we hear many complaints about current sow mortality rates. We all agree that more research is needed on how to raise piglets; however, there is still a lack of tangible, practical solutions that producers can consider and implement in operational settings to achieve meaningful changes in reducing sow culling. Frankly, it's embarrassing that breeders in North America have become desensitized to the current level of premature sow culling. Still, it's better to put aside the "sugar-coated" feelings about animal welfare and just look at economics. Most studies have shown that a sow is not profitable until at least her third farrowing (Stalder et. al., 2003; Gruhot et. al., 2017). And yet, as shown in the annual trend lines below from Agri Stats and Swine Management Systems (SMS), which represent a significant portion of the U.S. sow population, most sow farmers' average farrowing numbers fall short of this economic ...
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