Successfully Eliminate Tail Biting in Pigs to Improve Herd Performance

Across the world, each pig farm differs in its approach to tail docking. There are some units with consistent success in keeping pigs with long tails. Others are keen to continue docking to reduce problems with tail biting. Legislation was passed in 1994 banning tail docking in Europe. Increasing enforcement of the legislation means adopting new strategies to ensure compliance. Summary of remarks made by Nicole Kemper Prof. Dr. med. Vet., Director of the Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, Veterinary University of Hannover, Germany.