Effects of weaning age on post-weaning belly nosing behavior and umbilical lesions

Abstract

Pigs (n=2272) were weaned at 12, 15, 18, or 21 days of age to determine the effect of weaning age on post-weaning belly nosing behavior and associated umbilical lesions. A reduction (quadratic, P<0.01) in belly nosing behavior and umbilical lesions were observed as weaning age increased. The largest decrease in belly nosing behavior was observed as wean age increased from 12 to 15 days, with smaller incremental reductions in the 18 and 21 day wean pigs. This study indicates that weaning pigs at less than 15 days of age significantly increases belly nosing behavior and associated umbilical lesions after weaning.