Animal Care Assessment (ACA) - Manual - CQA

Tail biting, belly nosing/sucking, navel biting and vulva biting are significant problems within theindustry. Although much has been learnt from research and practical on-farm experience, it isnot possible to produce a definitive solution suitable for all cases. Each outbreak should bethoroughly assessed to identify the particular cause of an outbreak on the unit and to findthe appropriate solution to the problem. Quantify the problem:• Note the position of pens and numbers of pigs affected, check records of previous incidents.List possible causes:• Such as interruption or inadequate supply of feed or water, inadequate ventilation, drafts,incorrect temperature levels, overstocking, competition at feeding, excessive light levels, elevateddust/noxious gases. Different causes may be found in different pens on the same unit.Modify standard operating procedure:• Modify your standard operating procedure to implement the necessary changes to preventfuture outbreaks.46) Do you have a standard operating procedure for handling pigs with socialbehaviour problems (i.e. tail biting, vulva biting, navel sucking, or ear biting)?Yes ● No ●ANIMAL CARE ASSESSMENT, 20103-5