Pig Farming

Pig Immunity and Post-Weaning Disease

Post-weaning immunity challenges in piglets represent a critical welfare period requiring both good management and appropriate veterinary intervention.

Key Facts

Weaning at 3-4 weeks removes piglets from maternal immunity before their own immune system matures
Post-weaning diarrhoea from E. coli is a major cause of mortality and suffering
Creep feeding before weaning improves gut development and reduces post-weaning disease
Zinc oxide has been used widely to prevent post-weaning diarrhoea but raises AMR concerns
Vaccination of sows during pregnancy transfers passive immunity via colostrum to piglets

Welfare Considerations

Post-weaning disease causes significant suffering in millions of piglets annually. The challenge is inherent to early weaning systems, creating a welfare cost that is partly offset by improved sow welfare in some systems. Investing in preventive strategies - maternal vaccination, creep feeding, environmental management - reduces reliance on antibiotic treatment while protecting piglet welfare.

What You Can Do

Support pig welfare standards including post-weaning disease management requirements
Advocate for minimum weaning age standards that balance sow and piglet welfare
Choose pork from farms with documented low post-weaning mortality rates