Protecting pigs against themselves: Recent advances in the control of cannibalism in intensive pig production

Pigs reared in intensive production systems often express abnormal cannibalistic behaviours, such as tail biting (Schroder-Peterson & Simonsen, 2001). The occurrence of tail biting is difficult to predict but is believed to arise from several complex factors, particularly lack of environmental enrichment as well as inadequate food intake (Moinard et al., 2002; EFSA, 2007). The presence of cannibalism on farms is a serious welfare issue for pigs and a major focus of current research. Tail docking is a common control measure used in many countries (McGlone et al., 1990), but this technique also poses welfare questions and is now unacceptable as routine practice in the European Union (Council directive (EU), 2008). This paper explores possible motivations for this behaviour, as well as the effectiveness of current control measures and the possibility of eliminating tail docking from husbandry practices.