Genetics
What To Look For:
Check records of tail-biting occurrences. Do they tie up with the introduction of new stock sources or bloodlines?
New breed combinations or genetic lines may not be as well adapted for the outdoor systems as previous supplies and may struggle to cope. Pigs may be less well adapted for weather extremes, or may be less well adapted to standard outdoor diet.
Additional information:
Check records of tail-biting occurrences. Do they tie up with the introduction of new stock sources or bloodlines?
New breed combinations or genetic lines may not be as well adapted for the outdoor systems as previous supplies and may struggle to cope. Pigs may be less well adapted for weather extremes, or may be less well adapted to standard outdoor diet.
Suggestions:
Additional care may be needed if a genetic combination is known to be higher tail biting risk e.g. improve dry lying area, change to diet they are known to thrive on.
Additional material:
N/A