Farm Animals

Pig Weaning Age and Welfare Science

Evidence on the welfare impacts of early weaning in pig production and ongoing debates about minimum weaning age.

Key Facts

EU regulations mandate minimum weaning age of 28 days with exceptions to 21 days
Early weaning causes significant stress responses in both sows and piglets
Piglets weaned before 28 days show higher rates of post-weaning disease
Earlier weaning increases sow productivity but at significant welfare cost
Research supports longer lactation for piglet gut health and immune development

Welfare Considerations

Early weaning is used to increase sow reproductive output but imposes welfare costs on both piglets and sows. The abrupt separation disrupts natural nursing behavior and exposes piglets to disease challenges before immune maturity.

What You Can Do

Support minimum 28-day weaning age in pig welfare standards
Advocate for research into welfare-compatible productivity improvements
Choose pork certified to standards with longer minimum weaning ages