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Reducing tail biting in finisher pigs: Distribution of a management tool through training courses and an intervention study (M-SchwIP)
Project
Project code: FLI-ITT-08-Ce-0014
Contract period: 01.09.2011
- 30.09.2014
Budget: 217,000 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Tail biting is a frequent problem in finisher pigs. In order to solve the problem successfully, a procedure tailored to fit individual farms is needed, because tail biting can be influenced by a large number of factors. The aim of this project is, to introduce, evaluate and distribute a farm specific management tool for reducing tail biting on German finisher farms. In order to do this, a software based management tool which had been developed in Great Britain has been adapted to the German situation. The tool called SchwIP („Schwanzbeiß-Interventions-Programm“) comprises detailed questionnaires for interviewing the pig manager and assessing the housing environment of the pigs, including observations of behaviour and clinical parameters. Results are summarised in a farm specific report which outlines strengths and weaknesses of a particular farm and suggests measures for improvement. The report forms the basis for a farm improvement plan, and farm assessments are repeated after one year. SchwIP is being evaluated in an intervention study on 70 farms. Furthermore, farm advisers and veterinarians have been trained in using SchwIP and apply it on farms in their area. Parallel to both applications, the tails of pigs slaughtered the Tönnies abattoir in Rheda-Wiedenbrück are being photographed in order to monitor tail biting lesions..
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal Husbandry
- Animal health
- Communication Sciences
- Farm animal behaviour
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
FLI - Institute for Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry (FLI - ITT)
