Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Weaning Age and Welfare Science

Early weaning is a standard industry practice with significant welfare consequences for both sow and piglet - evidence informs better standards.

Key Facts

EU law requires a minimum weaning age of 28 days
Piglets weaned under 21 days show higher stress and post-weaning diarrhoea
Sows that nurse longer maintain better body condition
Extended suckling maintains immune transfer and gut microbiome stability
Extended lactation requires higher nutritional input and careful sow management

Welfare Considerations

Weaning age is a fundamental welfare parameter. Earlier weaning causes behavioural deprivation, immunological vulnerability, and gastrointestinal stress in piglets. Policy and practice that extends weaning age meaningfully improve welfare.

What You Can Do

Support regulatory standards that mandate minimum weaning ages
Choose pork products certified under higher welfare standards
Advocate for industry adoption of longer lactation periods