Characteristics of biter and victim piglets apparent before a tail-biting outbreak

Area of Science:

• Animal Behavior
• Veterinary Science
• Animal Husbandry

Background:

• Tail biting in pigs is a significant welfare and economic issue.
• Limited understanding exists regarding pre-outbreak characteristics of pigs involved in tail biting.
• Identifying predictive factors for tail biting is crucial for effective intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the gender and performance of piglets that become biters or victims.
• To quantify behavioral development in piglets during the six days preceding a tail-biting outbreak.
• To test hypotheses regarding pre-outbreak behavioral and physical traits of biters and victims.

Main Methods:

• Video recordings were used to study 14 pens of weaned piglets with tail-biting outbreaks.
• All piglets were individually marked and categorized as biters, victims, or controls.
• Behavioral observations were conducted every other day from 6 days before outbreak (D-6) to outbreak day (D0).

Main Results:

• Victims had a significantly higher start weight (8.6 kg) than biters (7.5 kg) and controls (8.0 kg).
• Biters showed increased manipulation of enrichment devices and penmates' tails; victims exhibited more restlessness and aggressive behavior.
• Restlessness increased and tail biting frequency tended to increase in the 6 days preceding an outbreak, regardless of piglet type.

Conclusions:

• Pre-outbreak behavioral and physical characteristics can help identify potential biters and victims.
• Increased restlessness and tail manipulation are indicators preceding tail-biting outbreaks.
• Findings support the development of early detection and prevention strategies for tail biting in pigs.