Piglets experience a physiological and psychological stress response during and after weaning that significantly impacts their health and performance. 

This is a major challenge in pig production, primarily occurring when piglets are three to five weeks old. Other contributors to weaning shock include nutritional stress, environmental and social pressures, and an immature immune system. 

When piglets are weaned, they face nutritional stress as they shift from digesting their mother’s warm milk to consuming, plant-based feed. 

Their digestive systems are underdeveloped at this stage and tend to struggle with digesting feed. This results in low feed intake, as some piglets consume very little during the first 24 to 48 hours, leading to energy and nutrient deficiencies.

Moving from the farrowing crate to the weaning pen causes environmental and social stress for the piglets, as they lose maternal comfort, security, and protection. 

When piglets are mixed with others, stress and hierarchy fights occur. Additionally, there is a change in temperature in the new pen, along with noise, poor ventilation, and sometimes overcrowding.

The piglets’ physiological immunity is underdeveloped, as they rely on the sow’s maternal antibodies, which decline after weaning. The introduction to a new environment also causes stress, which can affect their gut function. The most common signs of weaning shock are reduced feed and water intake, especially during the first two days. Weight loss is associated with slow growth and diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration.

Weaned piglets often have rough hair coats and become restless. Their immune systems weaken, making them more susceptible to diseases and increasing mortality.

To minimize or prevent weaning shock, piglets should be allowed to adjust to solid feed by providing creep feed from 3 to 5 days old. The creep feed should be highly palatable, nutrient-rich, and easily digestible.

The Classic Pig Creep feed contains at least 160g/kg of protein, 7.5g/kg of calcium, 6g/kg of phosphate, and 40g/kg of fibre. Protein is vital for rapid muscle growth, boosting immune system development, easing the post-weaning transition, and supporting organ and enzyme development. Calcium and phosphate promote bone and skeletal development, nerve function, muscle contraction, and overall enzyme and metabolic functions. Fibre supports gut health and overall digestion.

This composition helps increase nutrient absorption, resulting in better weaning weights. It also reduces weaning shock and facilitates a smoother transition to Feedmaster’s Pig Grower, resulting in minimal weight loss.The growth period may be shortened as the piglets reach the desired slaughter weight earlier. This improves the sow’s recovery periods. Piglets should weigh at least 6 to 7kg before weaning. It’s also advisable to delay weaning for low-weight piglets. After weaning, piglets should transition from Feedmaster’s Classic Creep Feed pellets to Feedmaster’s Classic Pig Grower, which is suitable for pigs aged 28 to 110 days. The grower contains a minimum of 150g/kg of protein, 6g/kg of calcium, 5g/kg of phosphate, and 80g/kg of fibre. Farmers are recommended to follow good management practices by ensuring piglets stay in a warm, dry environment with access to clean, safe water and feed. Supporting their health with iron injections, vaccinations, and preventive treatments against gut pathogens during the first week of life is essential.

Successful weaning is marked by piglets starting steady feed intake within 24 to 48 hours. They will show gradual, consistent weight gain, firm and well-formed stools, and increased activity and alertness.

*Beata Mudjanima is Feedmaster’s technical advisor in the northern communal regions of Namibia.