Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare at Weaning Age

The age at which piglets are weaned has significant welfare implications for both piglets and sows.

Key Facts

Commercial weaning at 3-4 weeks is significantly earlier than natural weaning at 12+ weeks
Earlier weaning causes greater acute stress and more severe gut health challenges
Weaning at 4+ weeks rather than 3 weeks significantly reduces post-weaning diarrhea
Sow lactation length affects body condition and longevity outcomes
Consumer and welfare pressure is driving some producers toward later weaning ages

Welfare Considerations

Weaning age is a welfare lever that can be adjusted with management changes. Evidence consistently shows that later weaning reduces stress and disease, making it a practical welfare improvement opportunity for the pig sector.

What You Can Do

Support producers moving toward later weaning as a welfare improvement
Advocate for minimum weaning age standards in pig welfare legislation
Choose pork from higher welfare certified farms using later weaning practices