Farm Animals

Pig Welfare and Welfare and Post-Weaning Immunity

Post-weaning immunity in pigs is a critical welfare period, with management strategies available to reduce disease burden and welfare compromise.

Key Facts

Post-weaning is the highest disease risk period in pig production
Colostrum intake at birth determines immunity throughout the post-weaning period
Transition diets that match gut maturity reduce post-weaning diarrhoea by 40%
Vaccination programs for PRRS, PCV2, and Mycoplasma support post-weaning immunity
Reduced stocking density and all-in all-out management reduce post-weaning disease transmission

Welfare Considerations

Post-weaning immunity management prevents the suffering from disease that affects millions of pigs annually. Evidence-based nutrition and vaccination programs are achievable welfare investments.

What You Can Do

Advocate for post-weaning disease management standards in pig welfare certification
Support research on nutritional approaches to post-weaning immunity
Choose pork from farms with documented post-weaning health management protocols