Tail biting in pigs

[3] Some other causes of tail biting involve possible breed predilections, gender, feed source, substrate materials, gastrointestinal discomfort, and general health of the pig(s).

[4] Tail biting causes major financial and animal welfare issues within the commercial swine industries due to reduced weight gain, treatments, culling, and carcass condemnation.

Studies have been done for farmers to identify the risk factors causing tail biting and to implement and experiment ways to reduce and prevent it.

The studies ultimately yielded variable results due to the many factors of tail biting and the fact general recommendations are not appropriate for all farms.

[7] Tail biting is considered one of the major animal welfare problems affecting the fattening of pigs in the swine industry.

[7] To minimize tail biting, toys like chains, alkathene piping, and rubber boots can be provided to redirect pigs chewing tendencies.

A substrate material for the flooring of the pen like feed or straw can provide additional enrichment in preventing tail biting as well.

Temperature and ventilation should be monitored and regulated as to prevent chilling, overheating, too much dust, gas, and ammonia buildup in turn decreasing stress induced tail biting.