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Context and challenges

As solid feed intake is low at these ages, the dietary transition is abrupt, contrary to what can be observed in semi-free-range conditions where the transition is progressive until the complete cessation of milk intake between 12 and 17 weeks of age. Weaning also marks the separation from the mother, a change of environment and mixing with animals from other litters. This period is often associated with digestive and behavioural disorders that penalize the health and welfare of piglets, leading to an increase in drug inputs and a degradation of technical and economic performances. Several previous studies have shown unfavourable effects of early weaning (<21 days of age) on health and behavioural parameters but few studies have focused on the effects of late and progressive weaning closer to the conditions observed in semi-free range.

Objectives

We hypothesize that late weaning would optimize digestive maturation and eating behaviour learning with the mother before weaning, allowing to preserve the health of the animals in the later phases of life. We also hypothesize that late weaning would be beneficial to the behavioural development of piglets, allowing them to better adapt to environmental and social stresses induced by weaning, and would promote their well-being. Late weaning could also impact sow welfare and reproductive performance.
The objective of the project is to evaluate the impact of late weaning (49 vs. 21 days) on the balance between piglet health and welfare, sow welfare and growth and reproductive performances.
Via 2 experiments, one aiming to evaluate the impact on systemic and digestive health of piglets and the other to determine the impact on behaviour and performance of sows and piglets, we will obtain first factual elements on the favourable and unfavourable effects of late weaning which will be integrated in multivariate and multicriteria analyses in order to identify the possible trade-offs between health, welfare and performance in pig farming and thus meet societal expectations in terms of animal welfare and contribute to the reduction of antibiotic use.

Species concerned

Partnerships

• Joint research unit GenPhySE, INRAE, GA division: digestive health, immunology, microbiology and automated behaviour analysis
• Joint research unit PEGASE, INRAE, PHASE division: Behaviour, social relations and well-being of piglets
• UE GENESI, GA division: responsible for the follow-up of pig experiments