Farm Animals

Pig Weaning Stress and Cortisol Response

Weaning causes acute physiological stress in piglets measurable through cortisol, with management strategies that reduce the stress response improving welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Cortisol peaks in the first 24 hours following weaning, indicating acute stress
Social stress from mixing with unfamiliar piglets compounds the maternal and nutritional separation stress
Progressive weaning over 3-5 days reduces cortisol response compared to abrupt single-day weaning
Familiarity with solid feed before weaning reduces nutritional stress component
Providing straw and enrichment at weaning reduces stereotypy and redirects investigative behaviour

Welfare Considerations

Weaning is one of the most physiologically stressful events in a piglet's life. Progressive weaning strategies and pre-weaning feed familiarisation reduce measurable stress responses.

What You Can Do

Support farms implementing progressive weaning protocols to reduce acute stress
Advocate for higher minimum weaning age requirements in pig welfare standards
Ask producers about their weaning protocols and post-weaning welfare monitoring