Commercial pig production weans piglets at 3-4 weeks of age, dramatically earlier than the natural weaning age of 12-17 weeks, causing significant stress for both sows and piglets that has cascading welfare consequences.
Early weaning imposes simultaneous stress on both the sow and her piglets. The sow's milk continues to be produced after separation, causing physical discomfort and behavioral frustration of strong maternal motivation. Piglets lose not only milk but also the thermal, social, and behavioral benefits of the family group at an age when they are physiologically immature for independent life. The post-weaning period is characterized by elevated stress, immunosuppression, and high disease risk that requires intensive management including prophylactic antibiotic use in many systems. Extending weaning age even by one week produces measurable welfare improvements for both sow and piglets.