Farm Animals

Pig Wean-Age Science and Welfare Implications

The age at which piglets are weaned has significant welfare implications for both sow and piglet. Evidence strongly supports minimum weaning age standards.

Key Facts

EU regulations set a minimum weaning age of 28 days
Earlier weaning (before 21 days) increases stress responses in piglets
Late weaning at 5-6 weeks produces more robustly developed piglets
Sows benefit behaviourally and physiologically from longer lactation periods
Industry pressure for early weaning conflicts with welfare evidence for later weaning

Welfare Considerations

Piglets weaned before 21 days show higher rates of post-weaning disease, abnormal behaviour, and welfare compromise. Maternal separation at this early age causes acute stress in both sow and piglet. Evidence supports 28 days minimum as a welfare-protective standard, with benefits for both sow longevity and piglet health.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards requiring minimum 28-day weaning age
Advocate for enforcement of existing EU minimum weaning standards
Choose pork from farms documenting weaning age in welfare records