What is the number one cause of death in baby pigs?

The primary cause of death in baby pigs is crushing. This typically occurs when sows lie down and inadvertently crush their piglets, primarily due to the piglets being unsteady and not yet able to escape. The structure and layout of pig housing contribute to this issue, as sows often cannot perceive the position of their piglets when lying down. This form of mortality highlights the importance of providing adequate space for the sow to move comfortably and careful management practices during farrowing to ensure the safety of newborn piglets.

Overeating can occur as a concern in some livestock, but it is not a common factor leading to mortality in baby pigs, especially in the first few days after birth. Ringworm is a fungal infection that mainly affects the skin and does not typically lead to death in piglets. Similarly, while the size of the piglets can sometimes play a role in their overall health and survival rates, being too small is not directly cited as the leading cause of death compared to the more immediate and dangerous threat of crushing.