Eating at weaning: good or bad?

Piglets go through various stressors at weaning, including separation from the sow, relocation to a different pen, regrouping with unfamiliar pigs, and a dietary change. In most farms, these changes happen all at once, causing an immense stress reaction. Nevertheless, there is a strong emphasis on getting weaned pigs to eat as soon as possible to avoid a growth dip. Pig welfare expert Dr Irene Camerlink considers whether this is actually desired. We may all have experienced that food and stress