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Tail-biting in outdoor pig production.
1Bilkei Consulting, Raubbühlstrasse 4, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|June 14, 2005
Summary
Outdoor pig farming does not prevent tail-biting. Tail-biting severity scores correlated with reduced weight and increased carcass condemnation, with barrows more affected than gilts.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Agriculture
Background:
- Tail-biting is a significant welfare issue in pigs.
- Outdoor production systems are sometimes perceived to reduce tail-biting incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and severity of tail-biting in outdoor pig production.
- To determine the impact of tail-biting on pig growth and carcass quality in an outdoor setting.
Main Methods:
- Five identical outdoor production units were used with growing-finishing pigs.
- Tail-biting severity was scored from 1-4 (TS).
- Prevalence, pig weights, and carcass condemnations were recorded.
Main Results:
- Average tail-biting prevalence ranged from 14.1% to 20.1%.
- Barrows had 2.9 times higher odds of being bitten than gilts.
- Increased tail-biting severity (TS 3-4) correlated with decreased slaughter weights and increased carcass condemnation.
Conclusions:
- Outdoor rearing does not prevent tail-biting.
- Tail-biting negatively impacts pig welfare, growth, and carcass quality.
- Management strategies to mitigate tail-biting are still necessary in outdoor systems.