Researchers in this study analyzed the effectiveness of different practices used to prevent the occurrence of tail-biting among pigs. They also looked at how well various treatment practices reduced tail-biting after it had begun in a group of pigs.
A total of 960 pigs were weaned and randomly assigned to 96 groups of 10 pigs with mixed sexes in each pen. Pigs were provided 4.3ft2 in rooms of 16 pens with partially slatted metal floors. 4 treatments to attempt prevention of tail-biting were tested and included: 1 – hanging chain, 2 – hanging rubber hose, 3 – ad lib provision of straw from a bunk, 4 – 2x daily feeding of straw.
If tail-biting was observed in pens, one of two possible curative options was applied, including 2x daily feeding of straw or removal of the tail-biter(s). Visual tail damage and blood freshness on every pig was scored daily for a 5-week period.
Tail-biting was observed in 53/96 pens throughout the trial. Overall, having ad lib straw or straw provided twice a day prevented more tail-biting than the hanging chain or rubber hose preventatives, with those pens provided with twice a day straw having significantly less tail-biting than all other groups. Both curative methods reduced the amount of tail-biting but did not completely eliminate occurrence.
SVC Thoughts:
- Pigs used in this trial had undocked tails which may lead to a higher rate of tail-biting. Previous research has shown that docking of tails does reduce the prevalence of tail-biting among pigs.
- During an outbreak of tail-biting, check the basics (feed, water, air). Common areas that should be evaluated include ventilation (reducing excessive temperature swings, checking for drafts and proper inlet settings, eliminating excess gas and humidity), nutrition deficiency (protein, salt and/or mineral) and crowding/social stressors.
- Open feeders to make sure pigs have easy, quick access. Make sure lights are off at night so pigs get good rest.
- There is likely a behavioral, boredom, or habitual component to most cases of tail-biting among groups of pigs. We as producers need to address all factors under our immediate control, including environment, pig density and nutrition. If solving these issues doesn’t reduce problems, adding straw, hay or grass in problem pens may be a successful way to reduce tail-biting.
- Tail-biting can become severe quite quickly in a group of pigs. Those pigs that have severe lesions or have tail-biting injuries leading to a downer situation need to be humanely euthanized. They can also lead to more problems at slaughter with trim on carcasses and condemnations.
Reference: Zonderland J., Wolthuis-Fillerup M., et al. Prevention and treatment of tail biting in weaned piglets. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. Article in Press. 2007/ SVC Staff, Dec. 19, 2007
Source:Metafarms’ PorkNet, December 21, 2007