It does seem that about 10 months to a year of big litter production is about all you get usually though if you're still getting good numbers , Robin, then I'd raise up a son too.

As far as ASF being killed and eaten (or eaten after they die) it's just animals being animals I think. If a cagemate dies, there's no reason to not turn him into free protein plus it cleans up the body before it rots and stinks up the area which their instincts tell them would bring in predators. If a community member is sick, weak or even too domineering the other rats will just deal with it as animals do by taking out the source of the problem. It's nasty to us but then ASF's don't have to deal with our emotional issues (lucky them LOL).

I'd just watch the group for any pattern developing where there are unexplained deaths. If the deaths continue then delve into it further. It's likely just an isolated incident though.