Commercial pigs are weaned at 3-4 weeks of age compared to natural weaning at 12-17 weeks, with significant welfare implications for piglets and sows.
Early weaning of piglets causes significant welfare problems including diarrhea, reduced immune function, belly nosing, and increased disease susceptibility. Piglets weaned before 28 days are not physiologically ready for the transition to solid food. The welfare problems from early weaning cascade through early life, affecting growth, health, and behavioral development.