Farm Animals

Pig Welfare and Welfare and Weaning Age Science

The science of weaning age in pigs reveals significant welfare benefits of extended lactation, informing regulatory and industry decisions.

Key Facts

EU minimum weaning age is 28 days, reflecting welfare science on immune development
Weaning before 21 days causes post-weaning stress syndrome and immune suppression
Extended weaning beyond 28 days improves piglet immunity and reduces antibiotic use
Sow welfare during lactation is affected by nutritional depletion in extended lactation
Higher welfare systems including organic require minimum weaning ages of 40 days

Welfare Considerations

Weaning age is a fundamental pig welfare parameter. Scientific evidence strongly supports minimum weaning ages of 28 days with higher welfare benefits from even later weaning.

What You Can Do

Advocate for minimum weaning age compliance and enforcement in pig welfare standards
Support research on optimal weaning age for pig welfare
Choose pork from certified systems with higher weaning age standards