Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Weaner Management

Weaner management in the weeks following weaning is critical for pig welfare. Appropriate nutrition, social management, and health monitoring reduce this high-risk period's welfare burden.

Key Facts

Post-weaning is the highest-risk period for mortality and disease in pigs
Gut microbiome disruption at weaning creates vulnerability to E. coli and other pathogens
Social mixing at weaning increases aggression and stress
Warm, comfortable environments reduce cold stress in recently weaned pigs
Creep feed familiarity before weaning improves intake and reduces gut stress

Welfare Considerations

Weaner welfare requires comprehensive management of nutrition, environment, and social factors during the vulnerable post-weaning period. Investment in good weaner management prevents disease and suffering during this critical phase.

What You Can Do

Support farms with verified weaner management welfare protocols
Advocate for weaner management standards to be included in pig welfare audits
Learn about post-weaning pig welfare challenges and management approaches
Choose welfare-certified pork from farms with good weaner welfare records