Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences

Abstract
Pig production is one of the major livestock businesses in Abia State, Nigeria, and pre-weaning mortality (PWM) is a constraint to profitable pig production. The present study evaluated the occurrence, causes, risk factors, determinants and economic impacts of pre-weaning mortality among pig farms in Abia Central, Abia State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 56 purposively selected pig farms in the surveyed area, through farm visits, record reviews, interviews and structured questionnaires designed to capture information on mortality patterns and management practices. A total of 144 sows and 792 piglets were evaluated during the 20 week study period. Feed samples were analyzed for proximate composition, and both sows and piglets were weighed at set intervals. Bacteriological evaluations were done on dead piglets. Results showed that the mean litter size, piglet birth weight and daily weight gain were 6.46 ± 0.49, 1.09 ± 0.17 kg, and 0.96 ± 0.21 kg, respectively. A total of 181 piglets died within their first week of life, with 64.2% of deaths occurring within the first five days. The overall percentage neonatal mortality in the farms surveyed was 47.2%. Higher PWM was recorded during the rainy season (96.4%), when compared to the dry season (3.6%). The leading causes of mortality were diarrhoea/scouring (26.7%), crushing (23.2%) and hypoglycemia (12.5%). Other causes included cannibalism (10.7%), failure to suck (8.9%), congenital abnormalities (8.9%) and other factors (8.9%). The predominant bacterial organisms associated with PWM in the study area were Salmonella spp (37.5%), Eschericia coli (29.2%) and Klebsiella spp (12.5%). The average economic loss per farm attributable to PWM was N96,964.29 (64.64 USD). The contributing factors to PWN in the study area included failure to consult veterinarians during ill health of pigs, lack of regular cleaning and disinfection of farrowing pens, nutritional deficiencies, poor knowledge of herd health and limited farming experience. Strengthening of veterinary extension services and herd health interventions, and improvements of feed quality and management of the piggeries in the area surveyed was recommended to reduce neonatal mortality, enhance productivity and increase profitability of pig farming in the area.

Keywords: Pig production; Pre-weaning mortality; Occurrence; Causes; Determinants; Abia Central Area; Abia State Nigeria.

How to cite this article:
Kenneth-Chukwu OM, Chukwu UK and Unigwe RC (2026). Pre-weaning mortality of piglets in Abia Central, Abia State, Nigeria: Causes, risk factors, economic impacts and determinants. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 16(1): 1279 – 1292.

*Correspondence: E-mail: oluchikenechukwu@gmail.com Phone: +2348039421276