Uncovering Hidden Drivers of Sow Removal with Advanced Epidemiological Methods

Lead Applicant: Anne Deckert

Research Priority: Animal Health & Welfare

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2026/2027

Research Centre: N/A

Research Summary: This project aims to refine decision-making around sow removal by identifying actionable, causally robust risk factors using one of the largest sow-level datasets available in Canada. Through industry partnership, records from 75 commercial herds (representing over 10 million individual sow observations) have been assembled. Advanced epidemiological tools will be used to explore the complex relationships contributing to sow removal, including mortality, euthanasia and strategic culling. A novel component of this work is the investigation of data quality: specifically, the risk factors associated with removals being classified as “unknown” or “not recorded,” which limit learning at both the herd and industry levels. This project integrates analysis with insight from veterinarians, producers and barn staff to identify intervention points, improve the quality of production data, and ultimately support sustainable herd management and enhanced animal welfare in commercial swine production.