Reducing Weaning Stress in Piglets by Pre-Weaning Socialization and Gradual Separation from the Sow: A Review

Abstract

The weaning of pigs in most commercial pork production systems is an abrupt event performed at a fairly young age, i.e., mostly between 2.5 and 5 weeks of age. This practice induces a stress response, and its impact on behavior, performance and the gastrointestinal tract has been well described. Historically, there has been a focus on pre- and post-weaning nutritional strategies and post-weaning housing conditions and medication to improve production and reduce mortality after weaning. However, alternative pre-weaning housing and management systems that promote the development of natural social behaviors of piglets before weaning have recently received more attention. Co-mingling of non-littermates before weaning is a strategy that aims to initiate social interactions prior to weaning. The separation of the litter from the sow in the period leading up to weaning, termed intermittent suckling, aims to enhance the gradual separation from the sow. In addition, these practices encourage the young pig to learn explorative nutrient sourcing. Altogether, they may reduce weaning-associated stress. In this review, these strategies are defined, and their effects on behavior, performance, mortality, gastrointestinal function and immunocompetence are described. Though these strategies may be adapted to a commercial setting, it also becomes clear that many factors can contribute to the success of these strategies.

Probiotic Roles of Clostridium butyricum in Piglets: Considering Aspects of Intestinal Barrier Function

“…Weaning is a crucial stage for piglets but can also cause weaning stress because of dietary changes, environmental adjustments, and other factors. Weaning stress can lead to intestinal mucosa atrophy, cell apoptosis, and significant impacts on the intestinal morphology of piglets [42][43][44]. Measurements of crypt depth (CD), villus height (VH), and the VH-to-CD ratio (VCR) are important indicators of intestinal growth and function [45,46].…”

The effect of different weaning strategies on piglet growth performance, onset of feed intake and gut health

“…Under natural conditions, the weaning of piglets is a slow process, being completed when piglets are between 14 and 18 weeks old (Van Kerschaver et al 2023). During this period, piglets are given the opportunity to familiarize with solid food whilst suckling frequencies slowly decrease and social interaction with non-littermates increases (Campbell et al 2013).…”

“…Over the years, attempts have been made to mitigate the physiological stress associated with early weaning. In this regard, numerous nutritional strategies (Azizi et al 2022;Kim et al 2012;Xu et al 2021), the impact of weaning age (Faccin et al 2020;Jarvis et al 2008), housing conditions, (Ramirez et al 2022), and weaning management systems have been studied (Van Kerschaver et al 2023). Nonetheless, weaning is still associated with decreased piglet performance and health, representing a major cause of economic loss and decreased welfare for the pig industry (Fairbrother et al 2005).…”