(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

Researching Tail Biting in Pigs


.
             Weaning early off of their mother (3 weeks or earlier) increased the amount of certain behaviors directed towards pen-mates (Algers, 1984), and suggest that piglets will begin a natural interest to suckle items that are easy to reach (i.e. ears and tails). The natural behavior of tail biting is not meant to harm each other, but to simply express their interest in what can be referred to as ˜quiet exploration (Van Putten, 1980). With time and experience, pigs will realize the sensitivity of the tail, and the ability to harm others as an option when deemed necessary. Hand in hand, environmental factors play a major role in this activity. .
             A simple way to express their aggression, pigs harness the technique of tail-biting in order to show their level of uncomfortability of their environment. For example, producers are aware how sensitive pigs are to any sort of noise or temperature. Heat- or cold-stressed pigs are more prone to express biting behavior because of their level of discomfort brought by the climate (Penny et all 1981, Blackshaw 1981). Day et. all (2006) and Tuyttens (2005) reported that a solution to environmental discomfort and climate stress can be resolved with supplying straw to the pigs. Straw not only provides more of a physical and thermal comfort, but also is a great source of distraction. Other factors that influence tail biting behavior include overcrowding pens, types of feed and space of feed, gender and even the breed of the pig.
             According to Hansen et all (1979) and Hsia & Wood-Gush (1982), shortage of feed space has a direct correlation to biting pen-mate behavior. In this shortage of space, lower feed intake is observed, which leads to a stressed, frustrated environment where biting is viewed as necessary. In accordance to this, pigs who were fed adequate amounts of a diet with low fiber and protein remained hungry after feeding, and creates the same environment (Colyer 1970, Jensen et all 1993).


Essays Related to Researching Tail Biting in Pigs


Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question