Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Weaning Stress and Management

Managing the welfare challenges of weaning in piglets, a high-stress transition period with lasting effects.

Key Facts

Commercial piglets are typically weaned at 21-28 days, earlier than natural weaning
Weaning causes acute stress through separation, mixing, and diet change
Post-weaning diarrhoea is a significant welfare and production challenge
Provision of supplementary feed before weaning reduces digestive stress
Gradual weaning systems reduce acute stress in both sows and piglets

Welfare Considerations

Early commercial weaning causes significant acute stress in piglets and sows, and management practices that reduce this stress have both welfare and productivity benefits.

What You Can Do

Support farms using later weaning ages and gradual weaning approaches
Advocate for weaning age standards in pig welfare legislation
Encourage research into post-weaning stress reduction strategies