Reducing Weaning Stress in Piglets by Pre-Weaning Socialization and Gradual Separation from the Sow: A Review
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. His...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-05-01
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| Series: | Animals |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/10/1644 |
| _version_ | 1797601457553276928 |
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| author | Céline Van Kerschaver Diana Turpin Joris Michiels John Pluske |
| author_facet | Céline Van Kerschaver Diana Turpin Joris Michiels John Pluske |
| author_sort | Céline Van Kerschaver |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | 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. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T04:01:04Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-e38b8743591a463cab45d4843c780c55 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T04:01:04Z |
| publishDate | 2023-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Animals |
| spelling | doaj.art-e38b8743591a463cab45d4843c780c552023-11-18T00:10:06ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152023-05-011310164410.3390/ani13101644Reducing Weaning Stress in Piglets by Pre-Weaning Socialization and Gradual Separation from the Sow: A ReviewCéline Van Kerschaver0Diana Turpin1Joris Michiels2John Pluske3Laboratory for Animal Nutrition and Animal Product Quality, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, BelgiumDepartment of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth 6151, AustraliaLaboratory for Animal Nutrition and Animal Product Quality, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, BelgiumAustralasian Pork Research Institute Limited, Willaston 5118, AustraliaThe 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.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/10/1644pigletweaningstresssocializationco-minglingmaternal separation |
| spellingShingle | Céline Van Kerschaver Diana Turpin Joris Michiels John Pluske Reducing Weaning Stress in Piglets by Pre-Weaning Socialization and Gradual Separation from the Sow: A Review Animals piglet weaning stress socialization co-mingling maternal separation |
| title | Reducing Weaning Stress in Piglets by Pre-Weaning Socialization and Gradual Separation from the Sow: A Review |
| title_full | Reducing Weaning Stress in Piglets by Pre-Weaning Socialization and Gradual Separation from the Sow: A Review |
| title_fullStr | Reducing Weaning Stress in Piglets by Pre-Weaning Socialization and Gradual Separation from the Sow: A Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Reducing Weaning Stress in Piglets by Pre-Weaning Socialization and Gradual Separation from the Sow: A Review |
| title_short | Reducing Weaning Stress in Piglets by Pre-Weaning Socialization and Gradual Separation from the Sow: A Review |
| title_sort | reducing weaning stress in piglets by pre weaning socialization and gradual separation from the sow a review |
| topic | piglet weaning stress socialization co-mingling maternal separation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/10/1644 |
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