NKJ 129: Svansbitning och svanskupering hos svin - biologiska mekanismer, prevention, behandling och ekonomiska aspekter

Tail biting is a common welfare problem in Nordic as well as in other countries. The occurrence of tail biting reduces pig growth, increases veterinary costs, and thus reduces the profitability of farms. Tail biting is a very difficult problem to solve, b ecause of the complex aetiology of risk factors. Some evidences indicate that it is a stress-related problem, however, very little is known about the causal mechanisms underlying the occurrence of the behavioural problem. This project combines different s cientific disciplines to form a broad forum of Nordic expertise. The project has three different, but highly inter-related levels: Firstly, we use ethological, physiological and genomic measures to study biological mechanisms associated with tail biting. Brain function and behaviour of tail biters, bitten pigs and control pigs will be studied to assess individual differences. In addition, we will enhance the understanding of the mechanism explaining two well-known risk factors for tail biting: feeding-rel ated factors and environmental enrichment. Secondly, we will study how prevention and treatment of tail biting might be improved. Tail docking is the main preventive measure used in Europe, however forbidden in most Nordic countries. Using ethological, ph ysiological and veterinary methods, the project will evaluate the effect of tail docking on animal welfare. In addition, the efficacy of two antimicrobial treatment protocols of tail bitten pigs will be assessed. Thirdly, the project will work on a meta-l evel, combining existing knowledge and knowledge produced by this project, to form a model calculating the economic effects and effects on animal welfare of preventing tail biting. In addition to producing high-quality scientific knowledge, the project wi ll actively disseminate the results to different interest groups via seminars and articles in related magazines. The proposed project will be a four-year project, including both experimental studies, investigations on problem farms and literature reviews.