Reducing estimated tail biting risk in German weaner pigs using a management tool

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Agricultural Management

Background:

• Tail biting is a significant welfare issue in weaner pigs.
• Effective management tools are needed to mitigate tail biting risks in intensive farming systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the 'SchwIP' tail biting management tool in reducing farm-specific tail biting risk.
• To identify factors associated with changes in tail biting risk after tool implementation.

Main Methods:

• The 'SchwIP' tool, incorporating expert-weighted risk factors, was applied to 21 German farms with weaner pigs.
• Farms were assessed three times over 12 months, receiving individualized feedback and advice.
• Risk factor data were standardized, and changes in farm risk sums were calculated and correlated with specific factors.

Main Results:

• Farm risk sums significantly decreased from the first to the second and third visits.
• Changes in farm risk sums were significantly correlated with numerous individual risk factors.
• Eighteen factors consistently influenced risk reduction across all assessment periods.

Conclusions:

• The 'SchwIP' management tool demonstrated effectiveness in reducing estimated tail biting risk in weaner pigs.
• The multifactorial nature of tail biting was highlighted, with no single pattern of risk factor change observed.
• Further research is necessary to fully understand the complex interplay of risk factors and tail lesions.