Avvänjningssystem

Avvänjningssystem, or weaning systems, is a term used in animal husbandry to describe the management practices that transition young animals from maternal milk to solid feed. The system includes the timing, method, diet, housing and monitoring required to complete weaning in a way that supports growth and welfare. It is commonly applied in dairy and beef cattle, sheep and goats, and pig production.

Common methods include abrupt weaning, where milk is stopped suddenly; progressive or gradual weaning, where milk intake is reduced over days or weeks; and fence-line or separated-weaning, where young animals can still see and smell their dams but have no direct suckling, easing the social and nutritional transition.

Key factors in an avvänjningssystem are the age and weight at weaning, the nutritional quality of starter concentrates and roughage, the pattern of milk feeding, access to clean water, and the design of housing to reduce stress. Social grouping and consistent routines also influence how smoothly animals adjust to solid feed.

Welfare and health considerations are central. Weaning can be stressful and, if poorly managed, may cause digestive upset, reduced intake, weight loss and impaired immunity. Good practices include comfortable housing, gradual transitions, adequate nutrition, and veterinary oversight when needed.

Implementation and scope vary by species and farm conditions. Typical targets are calves weaned at about 6–8 weeks, lambs at 4–8 weeks, and piglets at 3–6 weeks, with adjustments based on growth, disease risk, and feeding systems. Proper record-keeping supports evaluation and ongoing refinement of the system.