Tail postures and tail motion in pigs: A review

摘要: Abstract Animals’ tail posture and motion play an important role in communication, amongst others. In domestic pigs, the debate around docking biting has made research topic, tail-related behaviour is increasingly proposed as a welfare indicator. While focus mostly on biting, broader meaning of information it provides tends to be forgotten. The aim this review give overview current knowledge postures motions pigs (Suidae) provide methodological recommendations for future research. literature describes various during behaviours such locomotion, feeding, social interactions. Moreover, led increased understanding how relate animal’s experiences emotions. Overall, can useful about pig’s physical emotional experience at that moment. We propose detailed ethogram including both observation methods. order guide further research, we allocated four quadrants circumplex model affect, which state valence arousal axes. Although exceptions occur each quadrant (i.e. valence-arousal combination), general, curled (in pigs) positive high arousal, whereas relaxed hanging but loosely wagging low arousal. tucked motionless negative when (semi-) chronically tucked; sudden response potential threat. Given many different situations hanging, caution needed interpreting posture. conclusion, there substantial body may aid pig tails correctly terms experience.