Tail biting in pigs is a serious welfare problem driven by barren environments. Environmental enrichment that meets rooting and exploratory needs is more effective than physical intervention on tails.
Tail biting causes pain, infection, and cannibalism in intensive pig systems. It is fundamentally a redirected rooting behaviour driven by frustration from inadequate environmental stimulation. Straw provision reduces tail biting by 75-80% — the most effective single intervention documented. Chains, balls, and rubber toys provide 10-30% reduction. Tail docking prevents injury but does not address the cause. Environmental enrichment that provides daily novelty maintains effectiveness as pigs habituate quickly to familiar objects. Higher space allowances reduce the competition and stress that trigger biting.