Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Immunity and Post-Weaning Challenge

Post-weaning immune challenge is a critical period for piglet welfare - supporting immune function through nutrition and management reduces disease and suffering.

Key Facts

Passive immunity from colostrum declines around 3-4 weeks of age
Weaning coincides with the peak vulnerability window for enteric disease
High-quality protein sources in starter feed support immunoglobulin production
ZnO at pharmacological levels has historically controlled post-weaning diarrhoea - now restricted in EU
Probiotics and organic acids offer welfare-compatible alternatives to pharmacological ZnO

Welfare Considerations

Post-weaning immune vulnerability causes real suffering through diarrhoea, weight loss, and mortality. Supporting piglets through this critical transition period with appropriate nutrition and management directly reduces their suffering.

What You Can Do

Advocate for research into welfare-compatible alternatives to pharmacological zinc oxide
Support certification schemes that track post-weaning mortality as a welfare metric
Engage with producers about nutrition strategies that support immune function at weaning