Effects of tail docking and tail biting on performance and welfare of growing-finishing pigs in a confinement housing system.

摘要: A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of tail docking on welfare and performance victimized pigs by biting biters. Pigs ( = 240; 25.7 ± 2.9 kg average weight), including 120 that were docked at birth remained with intact tails, used. housed in 8 pens 30 a confinement barn for 16 wk, 4 each housing both sexes or tails. Tail biters damaged tails identified during outbreaks biting. Growth monitored, skin lesions tail, ears, body assessed. Blood samples collected from focal biters, pigs, nonvictimized analysis total serum protein, IgG, substance P concentrations. When marketed, carcass weights number trim loss recorded. During growing-finishing period, 48% 89% experienced their 5% 30% as puncture wounds signs infection < 0.001). Victimized tended gain less weight 0.07) between 17 21 wk age than other when prevailed this study. more frequently 0.04) sold full value had lower dressing percentage 0.001) compared pigs. For protein IgG concentrations elevated 5 d after injured, suggesting damage can cause inflammation, which may lead abscesses loss. Compared 0.01) concentrations, indicating experience poor immune functions. Results demonstrated reduced kept system. inflammation reduce market More research is needed test whether compromised functions predispose