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Too early to stop tail docking entirely in the Netherlands, says study

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A study from Wageningen Livestock Research and Utrecht University concludes it is too early to stop tail docking entirely in The Netherlands.

1 July 2021
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The study, carried out by Wageningen Livestock Research and Utrecht University, was commissioned and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture and the Pig Breeders Association (POV). Representatives from genetics producers, the Pig Breeders Association (POV), Animal Husbandry Associations, Animal Transporters Association, Meat Industry Associations, Veterinary Associations of the Netherlands, and Feeders Associations of the Netherlands served on the evaluation committee.

The study concludes that it is too early to totally stop tail docking in the Netherlands. The complexity of the topic leads to increased costs which the farmer cannot bear without additional financial help. Training in observing the risk of tail biting behavior will help in the success of the practice. Immediate recognition and equally immediate action helps prevent tail biting cases.

The study then outlines the next steps. After this period of gaining experience, all actors in the supply chain need to be involved: pig farmers, farmers, slaughterhouses, retailers and the government.

  • Improve the welfare aspects of pigs, acquiring more knowledge about behaviors and actions to be taken.
  • Education, specific training for risk recognition and early intervention
  • Financial compensation due to increased costs required and to support any reduced production. Funds for barn renovation or new construction specifically for welfare.

June 14, 2021/ Wageningen University & Research/ Netherlands.
https://www.wur.nl/

Article Comments

This area is not intended to be a place to consult authors about their articles, but rather a place for open discussion among pig333.com users.
05-Jul-2021 info_283Tail docking is not anti-welfare ; it is a good management practice that protects the pig from unnecessary injury and possible infection in the spine. Stop this ridiculous talk about mutilation , stopping castration of small pigs is much more important but i hear no talk of this practice been outlawed.
It is time that livestock farmers took control of their farm practices and stop this madness from acedemics who mostly dont know what they are talking about.
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