Commercial pigs are typically weaned at 21-28 days — much earlier than natural weaning. Early weaning causes stress to both sow and piglets and has long-term welfare effects.
Early weaning is driven by the economic pressure to maximise the number of litters a sow produces per year. At 21-28 days, piglets are weaned long before they have developed adequate immune function, gut maturity, or social skills. The separation is abrupt and distressing for both sow and piglets — sows call for their piglets and piglets show depression and withdrawal. The welfare case for later weaning is strong and aligns with antibiotic stewardship goals, as later-weaned pigs require fewer antibiotics for post-weaning disease. Higher-welfare production standards typically require minimum 28-day weaning age.