Routine tail docking of piglets is performed to prevent tail biting but addresses the symptom rather than the underlying welfare problems that cause biting.
Tail docking treats the symptom of poor welfare conditions rather than addressing root causes. Piglets experience real pain from docking, and the practice perpetuates housing systems that create the conditions for tail biting. The gold standard approach is to provide adequate enrichment, space, and nutrition that prevents tail biting without mutilation.