What is the practice of separating the offspring from the mother called?

The practice of separating the offspring from the mother is referred to as weaning. Weaning is a crucial stage in the development of young animals, as it marks the transition from a diet primarily consisting of the mother's milk to solid food. This process is important for the health and growth of the offspring, helping them become independent and learn to consume a balanced diet suitable for their age.

Weaning typically occurs at a specific age for different species, depending on their growth rates and nutritional needs. For instance, in livestock such as cattle and pigs, weaning ensures that the young animals can begin to consume sufficient nutrients on their own, which supports their continued development and prepares them for a life outside of dependence on their mother.

In contrast, fostering refers to the practice of taking care of young animals that are not the caregiver’s biological offspring, while weeding is not a recognized term in this context. Breeding involves the mating of animals for propagation but does not specifically refer to the separation of young from their mothers.