Killing Underweighted Low Viable New-Born Piglets – A First Step to a Reliable and Comprehensive Decision

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to estimate the mortality risk within the first days of life for underweight or low-vital neonatal piglets. This risk estimation should start a discussion concerning the pre-conditions for the killing of compromised new-born piglets for the prevention of unnecessary pain and suffering. In a field study, various clinical and laboratory variables were examined in 529 piglets out of four farms. Body weight, crown-rump-length, rectal temperature, a 4-stage vitality score, an intrauterine-growth-retardation score, glucose, lactate, haemoglobin and immunocrit were assessed on the first day of life. Vitality was scored by three factors: movement, abdominal palpation and colour of the skin. Afterwards death or survival of the piglets was monitored up until the fifth day of age. Results Body weight, crown-rump-length, rectal temperature, vitality score, IUGR-score, glucose and immunocrit were significantly associated with the probability of death (univariate model, p = < 0.0001). The final predictive multivariate model comprised the factors body weight, rectal temperature and vitality score. Piglets with a rectal temperature ≤ 37.5°C and moderate vitality score were found to have the highest probability to die until day 5 of age. Conclusion The clinical findings, identified by this model, allow the estimation of mortality risk for a new-born piglet within the first days of life. In a further analysis veterinarians, farmers and ethics need to clarify which probability of death justifies the killing of a new-born piglet.