Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Weaning Age Welfare Evidence

The age at which piglets are weaned from sows has major welfare implications for both sow and piglet health and behavior.

Key Facts

Natural weaning occurs at 12-17 weeks; commercial weaning at 21-28 days
Very early weaning at 14 days or less is associated with higher piglet mortality
Older weaning age improves gut maturity and reduces post-weaning diarrhea
Later weaning reduces sow reproductive efficiency but improves piglet welfare
Some welfare schemes require minimum weaning age of 28 days

Welfare Considerations

Early weaning causes distress in piglets who are not ready to leave their mother, and increases vulnerability to gut disease. The commercial pressure for early weaning competes directly with piglet welfare needs that are satisfied by later weaning.

What You Can Do

Support welfare schemes requiring minimum weaning age of 28 days
Advocate for labelling that identifies weaning age in pig production
Choose pork from farms committed to later weaning practices