Link between pigs’ tails and health not so straightforward

© © It would seem like maintaining intact tails in pigs that are properly managed from an environmental standpoint would be a major win for both pig health and welfare. Is that indeed the case? Photo: Henk Riswick

Tail biting in pigs is a serious welfare issue with significant economic impact to the producer. Systematic tail docking of all pigs prior to the start of tail biting behaviour is a common production practice in US swine farms to mitigate future welfare and economic consequences of tail biting at the finishing stage. But is the link between health and tail docking so straightforward, asks pig health and welfare expert Dr Monique Pairis-Garcia.