Segregated early weaning and welfare of piglets

Segregated early weaning (SEW), introduced with the objectives of eradicating or controlling diseases and improving performance, is becoming increasingly popular among producers. The main features of SEW are weaning piglets early and moving the newly weaned piglets to a site isolated from the sows and other animals. In this article, we describe the key features of SEW and factors leading to its development. We review some of the main welfare issues involved with raising pigs in this way. We describe experiments that were crucial in the development of SEW and that showed positive effects on the health status and weight gain of piglets. We also review experiments that indicated welfare problems associated with this system. Specifically, we look at the effects of early weaning on the behavior and well-being of piglets. In addition, we look at other features of SEW, such as repeated cross-fostering and transport of young piglets. We provide directions for future research and offer recommendations for producers.