Dossier

Tail biting and tail docking

Routine tail docking, although banned in the EU, is persistent in conventional pig farming as it reduces the risk of tail biting. Tail biting is an abnormal behaviour of pigs related to suboptimal housing and/or management involving stress and reduced welfare. It is associated with an inability to perform species-specific behaviours related to exploration (enrichment) and searching for food (rooting).
Pen enrichment - © WUR
Source photo: © WUR

About this dossier

Table of contents

Legislation

Knowledge: Basis

Knowledge: Feedback of slaughter findings

Knowledge: Management of unweaned piglets

Tools for welfare inspection

Inspiring examples

For good practices of implementation of EU legislation, seen in a full systems context, inspiring examples and demonstrators are identified. The examples of commercial farms given here address some good practices regarding keeping pigs with intact tails. Demonstration of good practices are excellent ways and proven methods of dissemination of knowledge, exchanging ideas, harmonizing assessments, and changing attitudes. Disclaimer: This is not an endorsement.
Unfortunately, your cookie settings do not allow videos to be displayed. Please check 'Marketing' in your cookie settings and reload this page to display the video.

Active stall fatteners: Adequate enrichment - Smart4Life

BMEL

Unfortunately, your cookie settings do not allow videos to be displayed. Please check 'Marketing' in your cookie settings and reload this page to display the video.

First aid for tail biting Adequate enrichment - BZL

BZL

Training courses

Contact

Comment on this dossier, or do you have a question about Tail biting and tail docking? Leave a comment or contact us.