Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Creep Feeding and Pre-Weaning Welfare

Creep feeding prepares piglets for the transition to solid food before weaning, reducing post-weaning digestive stress.

Key Facts

Creep feed introduced from 7-10 days of age begins gut adaptation to solid food
Piglets that eat creep feed before weaning show less post-weaning diarrhoea
Palatability of creep feed is critical for intake in young piglets
Creep area design that allows access without competition improves intake
Good creep feeding reduces antibiotic use post-weaning for digestive disease

Welfare Considerations

Creep feeding that prepares the digestive system for solid food reduces the welfare impact of weaning on piglets. Piglets that transition to solid food gradually before weaning experience less gastrointestinal stress and diarrhoea post-weaning. Good creep feeding practice is a welfare intervention that also reduces antibiotic use, aligning welfare and sustainability goals.

What You Can Do

Support creep feeding training for pig farm staff
Advocate for creep feed provision requirements in pig welfare standards
Share best practice on creep feed palatability and access with producers