Farm Animal Welfare

Welfare of Pigs During Weaning

Commercial pig weaning at 3 to 4 weeks causes stress for both piglets and sows. Evidence supports later weaning ages as a welfare improvement, and the EU is considering extending minimum weaning age.

Key Facts

Commercial pigs are typically weaned at 21 to 28 days, far earlier than natural 12 to 17 weeks
Post-weaning stress syndrome causes diarrhea, immune suppression, and sometimes death
Sows show increased vocalization and searching behavior after piglet removal
Natural weaning occurs over weeks as the sow gradually reduces milk production
Extended weaning to 28 days reduces post-weaning diarrhea and antibiotic treatment rates

Welfare Considerations

Early weaning is one of the most distressing routine events in commercial pig production for both sows and piglets. The abrupt separation disrupts the natural nursing bond and forces rapid behavioral and metabolic adaptation. Later weaning ages are associated with better piglet immune competence and reduced sow stress. Some welfare-progressive farms are achieving 28-day minimum weaning ages with good production outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support pork certifications that require minimum 28-day weaning ages
Advocate for extending the EU minimum weaning age from 28 days
Ask pork producers about their weaning age policies and post-weaning health protocols
Choose outdoor and free-range pork systems that typically use later weaning ages