Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Gut Health: Microbiome and Post-Weaning Welfare

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in post-weaning welfare, with dysbiosis causing post-weaning diarrhoea and growth failure.

Key Facts

Post-weaning diarrhoea is a leading cause of piglet mortality in commercial production
Abrupt weaning disrupts gut microbiome composition and increases pathogen susceptibility
Dietary zinc oxide at pharmacological levels reduces PWD but is being phased out in EU
Probiotics, postbiotics, and organic acids show promise as alternatives to therapeutic zinc

Welfare Considerations

Post-weaning diarrhoea causes acute suffering from abdominal pain, dehydration, and weakness. Strategies that support microbiome stability through weaning - including gradual dietary transition, probiotic supplementation, and appropriate housing - reduce this significant welfare cost.

What You Can Do

Support research into post-weaning gut health alternatives to therapeutic zinc
Advocate for gradual weaning protocols as a welfare standard in pig farming
Choose pork from farms with documented post-weaning health management strategies