Tail Biting in Pigs Behavioral Signs Welfare Impact Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies

Abstract

Tail biting in pigs remains a persistent welfare and economic challenge in commercial pig production, despite decades of research. This harmful behavior is driven by a combination of genetic, environmental, and management factors, resulting in injuries, infections, and reduced growth performance. Tail-bitten pigs showed 10-21 g/day lower average daily gain compared to non-bitten pigs. Additionally, tail-bitten pigs exhibited poorer feed efficiency, resulting in increased production costs. Farmers have traditionally relied on tail docking to prevent tail biting. However, this practice causes pain and fails to fully address the issue, as studies show that 96% of docked pigs still exhibit minor tail damage. To combat tail biting effectively, a holistic approach is necessary. Providing manipulable substrates, such as straw, ropes, or wood, reduces tail biting by 65-88%. Ensuring adequate feeder space and improving ventilation are also key environmental interventions. Enhanced human-animal interaction during rearing has also been shown to reduce tail biting in piglets. Beyond housing adjustments, Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technologies, including automated monitoring systems, enable early detection of stress and behavioral changes by monitoring tail posture (e.g., 3D cameras, RFID sensors), allowing timely intervention. Nutritional strategies, such as balanced protein/amino acid levels, further support pig health and reduce aggression. Genetic selection offers long-term potential by breeding for resilience traits (h² = 25-36%) and pigs less prone to tail biting, while improved husbandry practices strengthen overall herd resilience. When outbreaks occur, rapid response protocols such as isolating affected pigs and increasing enrichment help minimize damage. Farmer education is critical to ensure these strategies are properly implemented. By integrating environmental, technological, nutritional, and genetic solutions, the pig industry can move away from tail docking while improving welfare and productivity.

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Copyright

© 2025 Ishaya UG, et al. Distributed under Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0

How to cite this article

Ishaya UG, Vanessa AM, Yolanda D, Rutendo PM, Methun CD, Abdullateef AI, Chidiebere NA, Michael Idowu B, Samuel UE. Tail Biting in Pigs: Behavioral Signs, Welfare Impact, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies. J Biomed Res Environ Sci. 2025 Sept 20; 6(9): 1314-1330. doi: 10.37871/jbres2187, Article ID: JBRES2187, Available at: https://www.jelsciences.com/articles/ jbres2187.pdf

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