Farm Animals

Pig Gut Health and Welfare

Gastrointestinal health in pigs is closely linked to welfare outcomes, and poor gut health is widespread in intensive systems.

Key Facts

Post-weaning diarrhea is a major welfare and productivity issue
Antibiotic overuse has reduced gut microbiome diversity in pigs
High-fiber diets improve gut health and reduce aggression
Early weaning disrupts normal gut microbiome development

Welfare Considerations

Gut health problems cause pain, distress, and poor growth in young pigs. The intensive system practice of early weaning at 3-4 weeks disrupts immune development and gut microbiome, contributing to chronic low-grade suffering in many commercial herds.

What You Can Do

Support farms using later weaning and high-fiber diets
Advocate for antibiotic reduction in pig farming
Back research into gut health and pig welfare links
Choose welfare-certified pork products when possible