Animal Welfare Hub

Evidence-based resources for animal welfare

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Post-Weaning Welfare in Pigs: Health and Behaviour

The post-weaning period is a critical welfare transition for piglets. This guide covers the challenges and welfare-centred management approaches.

Key Facts

Weaning causes simultaneous separation from the sow, diet change, and social mixing
Weaning at 3-4 weeks is standard commercially but causes significant stress
Post-weaning diarrhoea is a major welfare and production challenge
Belly nosing and other oral stereotypies are common post-weaning behaviours
Fighting during social mixing causes injuries and welfare impacts
Environmental enrichment significantly reduces post-weaning behavioural problems

Welfare Considerations and Management

Welfare-centred management of the post-weaning period requires attention to multiple stressors simultaneously. Later weaning ages (28+ days) improve welfare outcomes. Gradual dietary transition reduces enteric disease risk. Providing fibrous materials, rooting substrates, and complex environments reduces abnormal behaviours. Careful social group formation and space allowances reduce aggression.

What You Can Do

Provide rooting materials and environmental enrichment immediately after weaning
Consider later weaning ages to improve welfare outcomes
Ensure adequate space allowances in post-weaning accommodation
Minimise dietary changes at weaning with gradual transition feeding