The Dutch pig farming sector has agreed with the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality (LNV) to exclusively keep pigs with curly tails by 2030. Currently, farmers dock pig tails as a preventive measure to avoid tail biting. Proper preparation for the arrival of pigs with curly tails is crucial, as keeping these pigs requires more attention. The most important step is to ensure proper facilities to prevent stress. [1]

Tail Biting in Pigs

Tail biting is a serious issue in pig farming, often caused by stressful situations such as transport, feed changes, treatments, or insufficient space in the barn. Additionally, necrosis—dead tissue that impairs wound healing—on pig tails often triggers other pigs to start biting. [2] Besides stress, boredom or a lack of stimulation can also lead to tail biting among pigs. This behavior can result in injuries, with the unrest and the taste of blood exacerbating the problem. Such wounds can lead to infections, causing growth delays, lameness, paralysis, and even death. [3]

Pigs with Curly Tails

By 2030, all pig farmers must stop tail docking, which is currently used to prevent pigs from biting each other's tails. This means that tail-biting behavior must be controlled through other means. Farmers will need to make various adjustments, such as modifying barn layouts, feed, and barn climate. [4] Monitoring water quality is another critical preparation step for keeping pigs with intact curly tails. Properly maintained facilities reduce stress, which decreases the likelihood of tail biting. Clean drinking water and reduced stress not only prevent tail biting but also result in healthier pigs.

Water Quality Is Key to Prevent Tail Biting

Biofilm and clogged drinking nipples are common issues in pig farming. Biofilm can harbor pathogens in drinking water, endangering pig health. Furthermore, drinking nipples may become clogged by biofilm, making it difficult for pigs to access enough water. Biofilm can also alter the taste of the water, reducing water intake. Ensuring clean drinking water is essential to preventing these problems and is a vital step in preparing to keep pigs with intact curly tails. Adequate clean water reduces thirst and associated unrest, which in turn lowers frustration and stress, thereby minimizing the risk of tail biting. [5]

Preventing Biofilm in Water with Watter

Preventive measures against biofilm in water lines are essential in livestock farming. Traditional methods like hydrogen peroxide can be used, but they pose health risks to both humans and animals. Moreover, these methods are often insufficient, failing to achieve the desired results. Watter has developed a system that produces a sustainable disinfectant on-site (in-situ). Using the active ingredient HOCl, this disinfectant is highly effective against fungi, bacteria, yeasts, and viruses. It is safe for humans, animals, and the environment, making it an excellent alternative to traditional disinfectants.

References:

1. https://www.varkens.nl/nieuws/2024/07/22/goede-voorbereiding-nodig-bij-overstap-naar-krulstaart
2. https://www.booijinkveevoeders.nl/kennisbank/varkens/ongewenst-gedrag-bij-varkens/
3. https://www.wur.nl/nl/onderzoek-resultaten/dossiers/dossier/staartbijten-voorkomen-bij-varkens.htm
4. https://www.varkensbedrijf.nl/diergezondheid/staartbijten/daar-zit-geen-staartje-aan-ongecoupeerde-varkensstaarten-en-hoe-dit-te-realiseren/
5. https://www.varkensbedrijf.nl/diergezondheid/staartbijten/drinkwater-is-vaak-het-ondergeschoven-kindje/