Sow mortality in the U.S. decreased for the first time in five years, according to a report.

For the first time in five years, the U.S. pork industry managed to reduce sow mortality, according to a report by MetaFarms prepared in collaboration with the U.S. National Pork Board (NPB). Diseases and lameness, main challenges According to the analysis, the mortality of breeding females decreased from 14% in 2022 to 12.2% in 2024, which represents a crucial advance after years of sustained increase. The study covers data from U.S. pig farming from 2020 to 2024 and compiles information from more than 460 farms and 1.28 million sows across the country. Although the overall trend is positive, among the most important factors behind the losses are health and animal welfare issues, as, according to the data, 31% of sow deaths were related to diseases or health conditions, while lameness accounted for 17%. Productivity on the rise; pre-weaning mortality, a pending challenge The study also showed that sow productivity is on an upward trend. In 2024, the average number of live piglets ...