Danish pig farmer reduces litter size to improve welfare and cut costs

A Danish pig producer has intentionally reduced the number of piglets per sow from 30 to 16, citing improved animal welfare and lower costs, reports DR Nyheder.

Thomas Kristoffersen, a pig farmer, says the change means fewer piglet deaths because there are enough teats for all offspring. The shift has also reduced his expenses on feed and labour.

The decision comes amid political criticism of what some lawmakers call “extreme pig breeding” practices in Denmark.