Tail Biting in Pigs – Guidance for New Zealand pig producers (April 2013) Tail biting in pigs

What is tail biting? Tail biting is the oral manipulation of the tail of another pig that inflicts skin wounds and can result in amputation of parts of the tail or even the rump. Normal pig behaviour does not include tail biting. The occurrence of tail biting is a complex and multi-factorial problem and many risk factors are known to increase the chance of tail biting. In an attempt to prevent tail biting many farmers dock the tails of new born piglets. However, despite tail docking, tail damage due to tail biting still occurs to a greater or lesser extent. Tail biting leads not only to a reduced animal welfare, but also diminishes the work satisfaction of affected pig farmers and their staff and does have negative financial consequences.