Farmed Animals

Weaning Age and Piglet Welfare

Early weaning of piglets is standard in commercial pig production but causes acute welfare harm for both piglets and sows.

Key Facts

Commercial weaning typically occurs at 3-4 weeks, far earlier than natural weaning at 12-16 weeks
Early weaning causes gut microbiome disruption and increased disease susceptibility
Piglets separated early show elevated stress hormones and increased aggression
Sows show distress behaviours following early separation from piglets
Later weaning improves gut health, immune function, and piglet welfare outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Early weaning of piglets causes acute welfare harm through separation distress, gut disruption, and loss of immune protection. The practice is driven by production efficiency rather than animal welfare needs. Extending weaning age to a minimum of 28 days, and ideally beyond 35 days, significantly improves piglet welfare through better gut development, immune protection, and reduced stress.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that specify minimum weaning age for piglets
Advocate for policies promoting later weaning in commercial pig production
Choose pork from systems that practice extended weaning
Raise awareness about early weaning as a key welfare issue in pig farming
Support research into optimal weaning age and management practices