German researchers explored the cause of tail biting in pigs. They considered the behaviour to be abnormal because tail biting “is rarely reported under extensive, semi-natural or feral conditions.” In general, tail biting reflects “high stocking densities, poor environment and bad air quality.”
Ways to reduce the harmful behaviour include having smaller herd size with lower densities of pigs. Straw bedding that allows pigs to root also leads to lower rates of tail biting. ‘Toys’ help as well. If pigs can play and chew items such as rubber hoses, pieces of wood and heavy ropes, they exhibit less of the unhealthy behaviour, but the toys need to be switched frequently. Overall, a healthier diet and better environment (specifically more fresh air and lower levels of ammonia) are linked with lower rates of tail biting.
Source: Tail biting in pigs — causes and management intervention strategies to reduce the behavioural disorder. A review. L.T. Sonoda et al. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr. 2013. Vol. 126. No. 3-4. pp. 104-12.
- Janet Wallace