Tail biting in pigs

Authors: Lohr JE
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 31, Issue 11, pp 205, Nov 1983
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Pig, Production animal
Subject Terms: Behaviour, Trauma/injuries
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Referring to a letter (N.Z. vet. J. (1983) 31: 105-6) by C. Larsen on tail biting, I would like to add some theories about the causes of tail biting under the conditions of intensive pig-rearing. In Europe the basic cause of tail biting is considered to be the pig`s urge “to do something”. So boredom may be one of the basic motivations. The problem may be compounded by adverse management conditions, e.g. overpopulation with draughty, cold and wet pens, insufficient rest between meals, uneven sized pigs in groups, probably dietary imbalance, ectoparasites, etc. Biting is often started by the smallest animal of the group. The main measures of prevention are tail docking (distal third) during the first few days of life, sedation of newly-formed fattening groups, ensuring equal-sized pigs in groups, correction of the above mentioned management faults, and removal of the tail biters. Affected pigs might require systemic antibiotic treatment. The supply of “toys”, e.g. chains, car tyres, straw, turf, etc. can be tried, but appears to be of limited value only.

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