Pattern of mortality of crossbred pigs in an organized swine production farm

Mortality records of crossbred pigs in an experimental swine production farm, reared under Indian tropical climatic conditions, were collected for the period of last ten years (2000-2010) and effect of age and cause on pattern of mortality was investigated. Results of the present study revealed an overall mortality of 12.18% in entire study period. The average pre-weaning mortality in last ten years was 23.16%. The highest mortality (21.69%) was noted in 0-15 day’s age group, whereas, lowest mortality (1.28 %) was observed in 30-45 days age group. Overall mortality in post-weaning stage (46-240 days) and adult animals (above 240 days) were 3.86 % and 2.60 %, respectively. The year wise results exhibited lowest mortality (4.06%) in 2003-2004 and highest mortality (17.78%) in 2009-2010. As regards to cause of death, digestive disorders (2.81%) were principal cause of death followed by hypoglycemia/ weakling, miscellaneous disorders (1.99 %), trauma (1.15 %) and respiratory disorders (0.99 %). This study indicated a scope of further improvement in health status of the animals in the farm during pre-weaning stage, especially at 0-15 day’s age of animals.