1. (on behalf of Anna Valros)
FareWellDock Ending tail docking and tail biting in the EU - Hazard characterization and exposure assessment of a major pig welfare problem
Sandra Edwards
(on behalf of Anna Valros)
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no 291815

2. Partners
University of Helsinki , Finland: Anna Valros (Co-ordinator) Aarhus University, DK INRA, FR Newcastle University, UK NMBU, NO SLU, SE SRUC, UK USDA, USA Wageningen UR, NL

3. Goals
Estimate the relative harms associated with tail docking and tail biting
Evaluate the efficacy of preventive measures against tail biting which could reliably reduce the need for tail docking
lack of enrichment, poor general health of pigs, early detection
Supply necessary information for quantitative risk assessment and stimulate the development towards a non-docking policy in the EU

4. WP 1: Short- and long-term effects on welfare (including nociception and pain) of tail docking and tail biting
Evaluation of acute and chronic pain of tail docking in piglets
Developing a pain grimace scale for pigs
The effect of NSAIDs in relieving the pain caused by tail docking
Evaluation of effects on human-animal interactions of tail docking in piglets
Evaluation of chronic pain caused by tail damage in growing pigs

5. WP 2: Tail biting and enrichment
How much manipulable material is enough? Developing an on-farm screening method for proper use of manipulable material
The use of AMI (animal-material interaction) sensors to estimate the usage of manipulable materials
Feasability of straw use: straw amount and length, slat characteristics and manure management on-farm
Interactive effects of straw use and tail docking on tail biting occurence

6. WP 3: Identification of individual and group characteristics predisposing pigs to tail biting
Interaction between reduced health and tail biting
Tear staining as a measure of welfare related to tail biting
Behavioural characteristics related to tail biting on individual and pen level
Developing an optical flow system for predicting tail biting

7. Communication Information about how end users can reduce tail biting :
Project web-page:
Updates of research and related activities
Factsheets by the end of the project period