The age at which piglets are weaned from their mothers has significant welfare implications, with current commercial practices far below natural weaning age.
Early weaning of piglets reflects economic pressures to return sows to productivity as quickly as possible. The welfare cost is borne by both sows — who show distress at separation — and piglets, who experience immunological vulnerability and behavioral distress when separated before their immune and behavioral systems are adequately developed. Extending weaning age to 28 days or beyond significantly reduces post-weaning problems and represents a welfare improvement that is increasingly required by regulation.