Eye on Europe: Three-week weaning or longer – which is best?

While most German producers favour the 21-day method, others find that 23.3 days offer the best results. Meanwhile, in Sweden the norm is nearer to five weeks

by NORMAN DUNN

Most swine breeders in Germany accept that weaning at three weeks brings an average of one or even two extra hogs per sow each year. But nowadays bigger litters – and therefore lighter piglets – mean increasing production costs for supporting 21-day weaning.