The age at which piglets are weaned significantly affects their welfare, with evidence consistently showing later weaning improves outcomes.
The evidence on weaning age and piglet welfare is clear and consistent - later weaning is better for piglets. The stress of weaning, involving simultaneous separation from mother, change of diet, new environment, and social mixing, overwhelms piglets weaned at 21-28 days in ways that are measurably reduced at later weaning ages. Industry resistance to later weaning is primarily economic, not welfare-based. Welfare certification schemes requiring later minimum weaning ages represent a meaningful welfare intervention.