A sow (mother pig) may eat its piglets — a behaviour known as cannibalism or savaging — for several possible biological, environmental, or stress-related reasons. It’s not normal but can happen, especially in first-time mothers (gilts). Here are the main causes:

🧠 1. Stress and Fear

High stress levels during or after farrowing (giving birth) can trigger aggressive or confused behavior. Causes of stress include:

Noisy or crowded environment

• Unfamiliar people or surroundings
• Pain or exhaustion during a long farrowing
• Handling or disturbance during birth

🐖 2. Lack of Maternal Instinct

Some sows, especially first-time mothers, don’t develop strong maternal behavior right away.

They may mistake the squealing, movement, or smell of piglets as something foreign or threatening.

🍽️ 3. Nutritional Deficiencies

If the sow lacks certain nutrients (especially protein, iron, or minerals like sodium), she might eat the afterbirth or even piglets to compensate.

Poor feeding before farrowing can increase this risk.

🩸 4. Smell of Blood or Placenta

The smell of blood or birth fluids can trigger predatory or scavenging instincts.

If the sow starts eating the placenta, she might accidentally bite a piglet and continue.

💉 5. Hormonal Imbalance

Imbalance in hormones (especially oxytocin and prolactin) can affect bonding and maternal calmness.

Some sows remain aggressive after farrowing because oxytocin hasn’t risen enough to trigger nurturing instincts.

🩺 6. Pain or Irritation

Mastitis, metritis, or injuries to the udder can cause pain when piglets try to suckle — leading the sow to attack or eat them.

🛖 Prevention Tips

Keep farrowing pens quiet, clean, and comfortable.

Avoid disturbing the sow during farrowing.

Ensure adequate nutrition before and after birth.

Remove afterbirth and dead piglets promptly.

Observe closely: isolate any aggressive sow from others and her litter if needed.

In repeat cases, do not rebreed that sow — it’s often genetic or behavioral.