Feed, light and manipulating material help to prevent tail biting

Researchers from Sweden have tested the effects of feed, light and access to manipulating material on tail biting in pigs. Tail biting is a sign of reduced welfare. It causes pain, decreased weight gain, infection, and a strong inflammatory response in the bitten pigs. Tail biting is a multifactorial condition associated with the composition of the feed, competition, ventilation errors, and exploratory behaviour of piglets. Data collection The reseachers carried out their study in a high-heal