Research in Action Video: Supporting Piglet Welfare at Weaning with Dr. Luiene Moura Rocha

Small improvements at weaning can have a lasting impact on pig health, welfare and performance.

Weaning is one of the most stressful periods in a piglet's life. Separation from the sow, mixing with unfamiliar animals, transport and adapting to a new environment all happen within a short period of time, creating challenges that can affect health, growth and long-term productivity.

Researchers across Canada are working to better understand these stressors and identify practical management strategies that improve piglet welfare while helping producers reduce health challenges and reliance on antimicrobial treatments.

In this episode of Swine Innovation Porc's Research in Action series, Dr. Luiene Moura Rocha, Research Scientist at the Centre de développement du porc du Québec (CDPQ), explores how this Swine Cluster 4 project is helping producers better manage one of the most critical stages of pig production.

Supporting healthier piglets from the very beginning

This project, entitled "Assessing the impact of weaning management practices, handling and transport of weanling piglets at different ages using animal-based measures and their relationship with animal welfare, health, antimicrobial use, and growth performance," is focused on identifying management practices that improve piglet resilience during weaning.

The project examines how handling practices, weaning age and transport influence animal welfare, health and performance. By measuring these factors throughout the weaning process, researchers are building practical recommendations that producers can apply on farm.

The goal is straightforward: healthier piglets, improved growth performance and fewer health challenges throughout the nursery phase.

Practical research for Canadian producers

The research team is studying ways to reduce stress before and during weaning so piglets arrive at the nursery healthier and better prepared for the next stage of production.

Rather than relying on additional treatments after problems occur, this work focuses on preventing stress before it impacts health and productivity. The findings are expected to help producers improve management practices, strengthen animal welfare and reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use.

Supported through Swine Cluster 4, the project brings together researchers and industry partners from across Canada to deliver practical, science-based solutions that benefit both producers and animals.

Watch the video to learn how Dr. Moura Rocha and her collaborators are helping improve piglet welfare while delivering practical management tools for Canadian pork producers.