The age at which piglets are weaned from their mothers has profound welfare implications, with early weaning practices common in intensive systems causing significant stress and developmental problems.
Early weaning in commercial pig production represents one of the most significant routine welfare compromises in intensive agriculture. Piglets separated at 3-4 weeks are neurologically and immunologically immature, and the abrupt separation from mother and littermates causes acute distress that can persist in altered behavioral and physiological development. Extending weaning age even modestly — from 21 to 28 days — produces measurable welfare improvements. Moving toward systems that allow more natural weaning timelines represents a major opportunity for industry welfare progress while also potentially reducing antibiotic dependence.