Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Tail Docking Alternatives Research

Research into alternatives to routine tail docking in pigs to prevent tail biting welfare problems.

Key Facts

Tail docking is currently permitted in EU as a last resort but widely practiced
Intact tailed pig systems require comprehensive enrichment and management programmes
Research shows intact tails are achievable with appropriate straw and enrichment provision
Genetic selection for lower tail biting propensity is an emerging alternative strategy
Denmark and other countries have made progress toward eliminating routine tail docking

Welfare Considerations

Eliminating routine tail docking requires addressing root causes of tail biting through enrichment and management, delivering better welfare by tackling both the symptom and cause.

What You Can Do

Support research into tail docking alternatives and intact tail pig systems
Advocate for legislative restrictions on routine tail docking in pig welfare reform
Encourage pig producers to trial intact tail systems with enrichment provision