Source: National Hog Farmer
Tracking mortality rates in swine production is crucial for improving herd health and reducing economic losses. Over the past decade, nursery and finishing mortality rates have shown a steady increase, highlighting emerging health challenges.
Nursery mortality (post-weaning to finishing phase) has risen from 3.06% in 2015 to 4.39% in 2022, before improving slightly to 3.88% in 2023. The annual upward trend is +0.11% per year. Finishing mortality (nursery to harvest) has shown a more significant increase, rising from 4.40% in 2014 to 5.40% in 2023, with a +0.14% annual trend.
Key factors include disease pressure (PRRS, PED), lower weaning weights, antibiotic regulation changes, labor shortages, and environmental stress. 2024 projections estimate nursery mortality at 4.18% and finishing mortality at 5.35%. Producers should enhance biosecurity, disease monitoring, climate control, and data-driven interventions to mitigate risks and maintain long-term profitability.