Livestock

Weaner Pig Welfare: Managing the Post-Weaning Transition

Weaning at 3-4 weeks in commercial pig systems causes acute stress, immune suppression and digestive disruption that requires careful management to minimise welfare harm.

Key Facts

Commercial pigs are weaned at 21-28 days, much earlier than the natural 12-17 weeks
Post-weaning diarrhoea is the leading disease challenge in weaner pigs
Social mixing at weaning causes aggression and fighting injuries
Enrichment provision reduces redirected aggression and tail biting risk

Welfare Considerations

Weaning represents simultaneous maternal separation, social group disruption, dietary change and environmental change — a perfect storm of stressors for young pigs. The resulting immune suppression increases disease susceptibility precisely when pigs are exposed to new pathogens. Evidence-based management includes split weaning, ad-lib feeding, gradual dietary transition and enrichment provision to reduce the welfare burden of this critical production phase.

What You Can Do

Support AHDB weaner pig management research and guidance
Advocate for later weaning ages where possible in farm assurance schemes
Encourage enrichment provision as standard in weaner housing
Choose pork from farms with higher welfare certifications that include weaner welfare