Wean-to-finish production systems house pigs from weaning through slaughter in the same building, with welfare implications from social stability and environmental factors.
Wean-to-finish systems offer welfare advantages through reduced transport and social mixing compared to multi-site production. However, the long duration in a single environment means that enrichment quality, space allowance, and health management profoundly affect welfare across an extended period. A poorly managed wean-to-finish system causes prolonged suffering; a well-managed one provides relative social stability and fewer transition stressors.