Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) is a leading cause of piglet mortality and suffering in commercial pig production. Evidence-based prevention strategies reduce suffering without excessive antibiotic dependence.
Post-weaning diarrhea causes acute suffering through painful cramping, dehydration, weakness, and in severe cases death. The welfare challenge is that PWD is a predictable consequence of the acute intestinal disruption of weaning combined with the immune gap at this age. Preventing PWD through management rather than treating it with antibiotics represents both better welfare (prevention prevents suffering) and better antimicrobial stewardship. The industry is under regulatory pressure to reduce therapeutic antibiotic use and preventive zinc oxide, making welfare-focused management solutions increasingly important. Management changes that delay weaning, improve intestinal resilience through creep feeding, and provide appropriate post-weaning environments create conditions where PWD incidence falls without antibiotic dependence.