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Tail-Biting

Incidence: Highly variable. Problem stems from multi-factorial causes due to overall aggravation to pig behavior.

• Highest frequency in finishing units (Managerially=most neglected phase of production)

• More common in barrows than gilts

• Pigs housed on fully slatted concrete floors are much more likely than pigs on solid concrete.

• Frequency is higher when animals reach 160 lbs. due to space limitations. (Limited space per pig=instability in the social order.)

• Lower ranking pigs are usually most aggressive during feeding and attack from behind. (27 bites have been witnessed before the bite victim objected.)

Causes: The exact causes are unknown. It is known to be a cumulative effect involving several factors such as the environment, management, health and nutrition.

• Environment

  • Extreme temperature fluctuations (condition is more prevalent in spring and fall).

  • Dry or dusty conditions.

  • Air exchange rates (poor ventilation), presence of toxic gases (ammonia, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide). Keep in mind that gases increase when pits are agitated or pumped.

  • Bright light can act as a stressor and can precipitate tail-biting, keeping pigs in a darker environment has been shown to reduce overall activity of the group by 20%.

• Management

  • Tail docking is recommended as a preventative measure.

  • Individual animal can initiate a chronic condition in an entire pen (it only takes one).

  • Increases as trough space decreases in pens fed ad libitum (poor feeder access).

  • Poor water quality, and lack of adequate water intakes.

• Nutrition/Health

  • Inadequate quantities or availability of food, and occasionally the value of food itself (minerals, protein, fiber).

  • Presence of mold/mycotoxins in the feed.

  • Ileitis, greasy pig, parasites/mange/worms, scour and PRRS all contribute.

Plan Of Action:

• Plan to spend more observation time with problem pens (pinpoint and remove culprits).

• Consider adding playthings (chains, tires, etc.) to alleviate boredom.

• Devise checklist for pit level, pit gas level, and ventilation/temperature status.

• Analyze feed for presence of mold/mycotoxins, and know health status of the herd.

• Check watering system for quality (bacteria, minerals) and flow rates, as well as the feed delivery system and make sure both are accessible.

• Experiment with the intensity of light in the barn.

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