Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Weaning Transition Management

The post-weaning transition period is the highest-risk welfare period in pig production, requiring proactive management to reduce suffering.

Key Facts

Pigs typically weaned at 21-28 days experience acute stress from separation and mixing
Post-weaning diarrhea causes painful dehydration and high mortality without intervention
Split-sex housing and familiar-group housing reduce aggression after weaning
High-fiber pre-weaning diets improve gut health transition outcomes

Welfare Considerations

The post-weaning transition imposes acute stress from maternal separation, social reorganization, and dietary change simultaneously. Well-managed transitions minimize these stresses through gradual dietary changes, maintaining familiar social groups, and providing enrichment during the adaptation period.

What You Can Do

Support pork from farms with documented weaning transition management protocols
Advocate for delayed weaning standards above 28 days
Back research into low-stress weaning transition methods
Choose welfare certifications that specify weaning age and transition support requirements