Tail biting in pigs

Authors: Larsen C
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 31, Issue 6, pp 105-106, Jun 1983
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

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

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Abstract: Over the last year or so we have seen an apparent increase in the number of pigs with tail bites at the Tomoana plant, Judging from talks with works people, Meat inspectors, and colleagues, the condition seems to be accepted as an unavoidable affliction connected with industrialised pig-rearing. In the sixties a similar situation arose in Denmark, and the following is a summary of experiences from then, as I remember them. All newborn pigs are small and we tend to forget that some are smaller than others. The smaller ones usually get the poorest yielding teats and so stay smaller through suckling life. Usually though, out of a litter of 10-12 piglets, the majority are of very similar size and only one or two are noticeably smaller. After weaning, usually at 6-8 weeks, most pigs were put in feeder-pens with a dozen or so others of similar size. That meant ample trough space for everybody for some time. After a few weeks the bigger, stronger pigs learned to fend off the smaller one or two, thereby preserving more feed for themselves. The weak one(s), still hungry, would lick everywhere but preferably near the bigger ones. Sometimes the weakling would develop a liking for the flavour of the bigger ones` tails. The ensuing wounds were itchy…

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