US sow mortality rates fell for the first time in five years

Sow mortality in the U.S. pork industry has declined for the first time in five years, according to a MetaFarms report prepared in partnership with the National Pork Board (NPB ) .

According to the analysis, female mortality during the breeding season has decreased from 14% in 2022 to 12.2% in 2024 , representing significant progress after years of steady increases. 

The study contains data on the U.S. swine industry from 2020 to 2024 and includes information from more than 460 farms and 1.28 million sows nationwide.

Despite the overall positive trend, animal health and welfare issues remain among the most significant factors influencing losses. According to data, 31% of sow deaths were due to disease or health issues, with lameness accounting for 17%.

 The study also showed that sow productivity continues to improve. In 2024, the average number of live piglets born per farrowing was 14.28, compared to 13.49 in 2020. Meanwhile, the number of weaned piglets per sow increased from 11.34 to 11.92, and average annual productivity reached 27.27 weaned piglets per sow.

MetaFarms noted that this improvement was partly due to the professionalization of calving, with more and more farms hiring specialized personnel.

Conversely, pre-weaning mortality reached its highest level in five years, reaching 16.4% in 2024, compared to 13.7% the year before. The report notes that this indicator requires close attention from producers.