Farm Animals

Pig Gut Health and Microbiome Welfare

Pig gut health underpins immune function, growth, and welfare, with microbiome management increasingly recognised as central to reducing antibiotic dependence.

Key Facts

Post-weaning diarrhoea is a leading cause of piglet mortality and antibiotic use
The transition from sow milk to solid feed at weaning is a major gut health challenge
Probiotics, prebiotics, and organic acids can reduce enteric disease risk
Zinc oxide at high doses reduces post-weaning disease but is being phased out in EU due to AMR concerns
Dietary fibre from inulin and pectin supports beneficial gut microbiome development

Welfare Considerations

Poor gut health causes diarrhoea, dehydration, and death in piglets - severe welfare consequences at a vulnerable life stage. The phase-out of zinc oxide in EU pig diets requires alternative gut health strategies. Microbiome-based approaches represent the future of welfare-conscious disease prevention.

What You Can Do

Support farms investing in gut health management and microbiome science
Advocate for responsible antibiotic use in pig production with alternative strategies
Choose pork from farms with transparent antibiotic use reporting