Providing appropriate enrichment specifically during the weaning transition helps pigs cope with the multiple stressors of this critical welfare period.
Weanling pig enrichment welfare recognizes that the multiple simultaneous stressors of weaning create an acute welfare emergency that targeted enrichment can partially mitigate. The provision of familiar bedding material at weaning maintains one element of sensory continuity during a period of radical environmental change. Novel enrichment objects introduced simultaneously with the social mix of unfamiliar piglets redirect investigative behavior toward objects rather than penmates, reducing bite injuries during hierarchy establishment. The research evidence is consistent: enrichment at weaning reduces stress indicators, injury rates, and antibiotic requirement — providing both welfare and economic benefits. The challenge is ensuring quality enrichment management rather than regulatory minimum compliance with token provision.