Abstract
Weaning is a crucial phase in pig production that affects young pigs’ performance, health, and mortality. Conventional 21-day weaning involves transporting pigs to new food and water sources, environments, and social structures, often leading to low post-weaning feed intake. The trend towards later weaning ages (25-28 days) impacts the reproductive efficiency and economic return of the sow. A newer alternative method is known as stall weaning, which is removal of the sow from the farrowing stall at approximately 20 days of age. By maintaining pigs in their familiar stall environment, this method may facilitate a smoother transition to solid feed, eliminate a major “out-of-feed” event, and reduce the risk of dehydration and enteric disease before movement to a new environment. This study evaluated the effects of stall versus conventional weaning on pigs during the first week post-weaning. A total of 263 weaned pigs from 18 litters (weaning age: 19 ± 2 days; BW: 5.2 ± 0.09 kg) were included in this study. Nine litters remained in their respective stalls (STALLS) post-weaning and nine litters were moved to conventional nursery pens (PENS). All pigs received a common nursery diet meeting or exceeding NRC requirements for their respective phase. Individual piglet BW was recorded at weaning and on day 7 post-weaning. Estimated feed consumption in STALL and PEN was measured to calculate average daily feed intake (ADFI) from days 0 to 7. Surveillance cameras monitored feeding behavior in 4 litters from each group, tracking total eating time in the first 24 hours post-weaning. Pigs were categorized by weight change: weight loss (severe), gain of 0-300 grams (sub-optimal), or gain over 300 grams (optimal). Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure in SAS to assess the fixed effect of housing type on growth performance. No differences were observed for ADG (PEN: 88 g/d; STALL: 110 g/d) (P = 0.128), nor for ADFI (PEN: 130 g/d; STALL: 123 g/d) (P = 0.639). In the severe weight category (n=10), 70% were in PENS and 30% in STALLS (X² = 0.001). In the sub-optimal weight category (n=33), 67% were in PENS and 33% in STALLS (X² = 0.001). In the optimal weight category (n=220), 48% were in PENS and 52% in STALLS (X² = 0.001). The average time spent at the feeder in the first 24 hours post-weaning was greater in STALL pigs (27 minutes) than in PEN pigs (0 minutes) (P = 0.037). In conclusion, stall weaning improves early feeding behavior in pigs, potentially reducing stress and health risks linked to low appetite and feed intake. These findings can inform management practices to enhance pig welfare and productivity while maintaining sow reproductive efficiency.