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Tail docking in pigs: acute physiological and behavioural responses.

M A Sutherland1, P J Bryer, N Krebs

  • 1Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Pork Industry Institute, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.

Animal : an International Journal of Animal Bioscience
|March 27, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Tail docking in piglets causes stress, but cautery iron (CAUT) reduces cortisol levels compared to blunt trauma cutters (BT). Both methods, however, result in similar behavioral responses and reduced white blood cell counts post-procedure.

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Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Animal Welfare

Background:

  • Tail docking is a common practice in pig farming to prevent tail biting.
  • This procedure can induce significant acute stress in piglets.
  • Comparing different tail docking methods is crucial for animal welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the physiological and behavioral stress responses of piglets to tail docking.
  • To compare the stress effects of cautery iron (CAUT) versus blunt trauma cutters (BT) for tail docking.
  • To identify if one method offers a less stressful alternative.

Main Methods:

  • Piglets were divided into three groups: CAUT, BT, and control (CON).
  • Blood samples were collected to measure white blood cell counts and cortisol levels.

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  • Behavioral observations, including scooting and sitting, were recorded pre- and post-docking.

    • Main Results:

    • Both CAUT and BT tail docking led to reduced white blood cell counts compared to controls.
    • Cortisol levels were significantly higher in BT-docked piglets compared to CON and CAUT groups.
    • Behavioral responses like posterior scooting and sitting were observed in docked piglets, with no significant difference between CAUT and BT methods.

    Conclusions:

    • Cautery iron tail docking appears to be less stressful physiologically than blunt trauma cutters, indicated by lower cortisol levels.
    • Despite physiological differences, behavioral responses to both tail docking methods were comparable.
    • Further research may explore alternative strategies to manage tail biting without resorting to painful procedures.