Farm Animals

Pig Wean-to-Finish Performance and Welfare

The wean-to-finish growth period in pig production is the longest phase of the lifecycle and presents multiple welfare challenges that compound without systematic management.

Key Facts

Pigs spend 16-24 weeks in the grower-finisher phase, making it the dominant welfare period by duration
Tail biting, respiratory disease and lameness are the primary welfare problems in this phase
Stocking density, feeder space and ventilation are the key management variables
Proactive weekly health scoring enables early intervention before individual welfare deteriorates
Environmental enrichment must be sustained throughout this phase to prevent habituation

Welfare Considerations

The grower-finisher phase determines the majority of pigs' lifetime welfare experience. Systematic monitoring and proactive management transforms welfare outcomes in this critical phase.

What You Can Do

Support farms with documented weekly health and welfare scoring in grower-finisher pigs
Advocate for monitoring protocols as mandatory components of farm welfare assurance
Ask pork producers about their routine welfare monitoring frequency during the grower phase