Tail biting in pigs is one of the most severe welfare problems in the industry, caused by underlying frustration and stress rather than aggression, requiring systemic rather than reactive solutions.
Tail biting represents a welfare emergency when it occurs - wounds become infected, blood attracts more biting from pen-mates, and severely affected pigs experience extreme pain and stress. But the focus on treating outbreaks misses the fundamental point: tail biting is a symptom of pigs unable to express their innate exploratory and rooting behaviours. The routine tail docking that characterises industrial pig production removes the symptom while leaving the cause intact - docked pigs in poor environments will redirect biting to ears, tails stumps, and flanks. The welfare solution requires addressing root causes: meaningful enrichment, appropriate stocking density, health monitoring, and management practices that prevent chronic frustration.