Abstract

The study was purposively taken up with the objective to find out the patterns of pre-weaning piglet mortality and economic losses in field condition. The study was purposively taken up in Gorkhaland Territorial Administration area where pig farming is a common practice. The study shows that overall pre-weaning piglet mortality was 15.62% where it was slightly higher in exotic than indigenous breed. Highest pre-weaning mortality was recorded among 0 to 15 days age group piglets mainly during winter months and in third parity of dam. The major reasons of pre-weaning piglet mortality found in the study area were chilling, piglet anemia and scouring. Overall economic losses due to pre-weaning piglet mortality were around $18696 during the last 3 years in which it was around $5453 in indigenous breed and around $13243 in exotic breeds. Economic losses due to pre-weaning piglet mortality was recorded highest for scouring, followed by chilling and low birth weight in indigenous breed, whereas it was highest for piglet anemia followed by chilling and scouring in exotic breed. Therefore, proper healthcare programme and management practices must be undertaken to avoid these huge economic losses under field condition.

Key words: Piglet mortality, indigenous breed, exotic breed, piglet anemia.