Pig Weaning Age and Maternal Welfare

The timing of pig weaning has profound welfare implications for both sows and piglets. Early weaning is common in commercial systems but causes significant welfare compromise.

Key Facts

EU law prohibits weaning before 21 days but most commercial systems wean at 21-28 days
Natural weaning age for pigs is 12-17 weeks, far later than commercial practice
Early weaning causes lasting behavioural abnormalities including belly nosing and aggression
Sows reunite with litters and show distress when separated in early weaning systems
Higher weaning ages reduce piglet gut health problems and post-weaning mortality
Outdoor systems with later weaning ages show better welfare outcomes for both sows and piglets

Welfare Considerations

Early weaning is one of the most welfare-significant departures from natural pig biology in commercial farming. Both sows and piglets experience distress at premature separation. Piglets weaned early develop abnormal oral behaviours and face greater health challenges. While economic pressures drive early weaning, the welfare case for later weaning at 28 days or beyond is strong, and consumer and regulatory pressure can shift industry practice.

What You Can Do

Support farms and products that use later weaning ages of 28 days or more
Advocate for EU minimum weaning age to be raised from 21 to 28 days
Choose pork products from outdoor or extensive systems with better weaning welfare
Reduce pork consumption to lower demand for early-weaning intensive systems
Support research into the production economics of later weaning practices