In recent years, the reproductive performance of sows has improved steadily. As a result of genetic progress, improvements in insemination management and a more tailored approach to the care of sows during gestation, the number of piglets born alive in particular has risen sharply. However, this presents the challenge of managing large litters. A guide from the Fokus Tierwohl network provides advice on the animal-welfare-friendly management of large litters of piglets.

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The rearing of uncut pigs is still considered the ultimate challenge. For years, scientists and practitioners have been trying to find solutions to successfully rear animals with intact curly tails. There is now a wealth of scientific evidence on the influencing factors and promising measures for rearing un-docked pigs. Nevertheless, there is no magic formula for preventing tail-biting, as caudophagia is a multifactorial problem that varies from farm to farm.

Through the ‘No Tail Docking’ working group of the Centre of Excellence for Pig Welfare, as part of the Focus on Animal Welfare network, teaching materials on the topic of avoiding tail docking have been produced for teachers at agricultural colleges and vocational schools, with the aim of incorporating the topic into lessons and raising awareness of the issue among the farmers of tomorrow.

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Pigs are highly social animals whose group life is governed by the establishment of a fixed hierarchy. This hierarchy is determined through aggressive behaviour in the first few days after a group is formed, which generally reduces further conflicts to a minimum.¹ Although pigs usually interact amicably with one another, conflicts—particularly over food—cannot be entirely avoided, with lower-ranking animals tending to avoid those higher up the hierarchy.

To ensure that lower-ranking animals can also satisfy their needs and engage in all behaviours as undisturbed as possible, opportunities for avoidance and retreat are required.¹ If pigs’ behaviours are restricted due to housing conditions, this causes stress and discomfort for the animals, which can lead to behavioural problems such as tail-biting.

With the help of a good pen layout, functional areas can be separated and the pigs’ behaviour can be managed. A prerequisite for this is that the animals’ needs and natural behaviour are the focus, and that sufficient space is available in the pen for each functional aspect of behaviour – namely resting, comfort, exploration, defecation, and feeding and drinking behaviour.

The ‘Pen Structure’ working group offers advice on new builds and conversions.

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The rearing of un-docked pigs is still regarded as the ultimate challenge. Many farmers are reluctant to stop tail-docking due to the potential consequences of tail-biting outbreaks. For years, researchers and practitioners have been trying to find solutions for successfully rearing animals with intact curly tails. There is now a wealth of scientific evidence regarding the factors influencing the rearing of un-docked pigs and promising measures to ensure success. Nevertheless, it is primarily success stories from fellow professionals that motivate other farms to consider moving away from tail docking and to gain their own experience on their own farms. At the suggestion of the Working Group on Tail-Docking-Free Farming at the Animal Welfare Competence Centre for Pigs, animal welfare advocates have spoken with farm managers about the successes and setbacks they have encountered on their journey towards tail-docking-free farming. 

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Tail docking of suckling piglets has long been practised in conventional livestock farming as the most effective method of preventing tail-biting (caudophagia). However, under EU legislation and the provisions of the German Animal Welfare Act, this is only permitted in justified exceptional cases where other measures that take account of environmental and husbandry conditions (in particular management, housing, stocking density, etc.) are ineffective.

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From 1 January 2021, the castration of piglets without anaesthesia will be prohibited under the Animal Welfare Act. 

The clock is ticking for sow farmers and pig farmers to switch to one of the permitted alternatives. Anyone who still needs to make investments in preparation for the necessary operational changes, coordinate the next steps in the supply chain between piglet producers and pig farmers, or possibly obtain a certificate of competence should make a decision soon.

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