'Phasing out pig tail docking in the EU - present state, challenges and possibilities'.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Welfare Science
• Agricultural Policy

Background:

• European legislation prohibits routine pig tail docking, yet the practice continues in many EU countries.
• A survey investigated current tail docking practices and enrichment provision across 24 European nations.
• The study also examined the veterinary profession's role and literature on raising pigs with intact tails.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of pig tail docking and enrichment material provision in Europe.
• To evaluate the veterinary profession's involvement and identify successful strategies for abandoning routine tail docking.
• To understand challenges and solutions for raising pigs with intact tails.

Main Methods:

• An online survey distributed to 24 European countries.
• Analysis of 57 usable responses regarding tail docking and enrichment practices.
• Comparative assessment of veterinary roles and successful initiatives in countries with and without routine tail docking.

Main Results:

• Routine tail docking affects a significant majority of pigs (77% average) across surveyed EU countries.
• Less than 5% of pigs are tail-docked in Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.
• Enrichment materials are provided to 67% of pigs, with better outcomes in countries that have ceased routine tail docking.

Conclusions:

• Routine pig tail docking remains prevalent, contravening European Union directives.
• Increased awareness and education on tail biting risk factors are essential to end routine tail docking.
• The veterinary profession is vital in knowledge transfer and implementing farm-level solutions for pig health and welfare with intact tails.