Reproductive Failure in Smallholder Pig Farms in East and Southeast Asia: A Systematic Review

Reproductive failure has significant socioeconomic impacts on smallholder pig farms. This systematic review was conducted to compile the types of reproductive failures and their underlying causes reported in smallholder pig farms from East and Southeast Asia and to identify relevant knowledge gaps. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 26 peer-reviewed studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in our synthesis. These studies were conducted in 11 countries, with Vietnam, China, and Thailand representing the highest share (53.8%). Only six studies (23%) investigated reproductive failure as their primary objective. Stillbirth, mummification, late-term abortion, and weak-born piglets were the predominant reproductive failures reported from smallholder pig farms across the region. The most frequently cited viral pathogens associated with these failures were porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2). Common non-infectious risk factors included extreme climate conditions (e.g., heat stress), poor diet and housing, and suboptimal boar management. Our synthesis highlighted a dearth of research focused on reproductive failure in smallholder pig farms in the region and emphasised the need for more targeted studies to clarify the biological, environmental, and managerial risk factors contributing to reproductive failure. This will facilitate the development of targeted prevention and control measures that account for the unique farming conditions and challenges smallholder farms face in East and Southeast Asia. © 2025 by the authors.