Tail Docking in Pigs: A Review on its Short- And Long-Term Consequences and Effectiveness in Preventing Tail Biting

摘要: In spite of European legislation attempting to limit this practice, tail docking is nowadays the only preventive measure against biting which widely adopted by farmers. Docking consists in amputating, usually without anaesthesia or analgesia, distal part tail, order reduce its attractiveness and sensitize it, increasing avoidance behaviour bitten pig. Tail results both acute chronic effects on pig welfare, effectiveness preventing limited, since it reduces symptoms a behavioural disorder, but does not address underlying causes. The aim present paper review available literature swine welfare. Although from practical standpoint welfare risks arising may appear be negligible compared those during after outbreaks, should considered that, apart physiological responses, als...